The Bath and North East Somerset economy - an overview
Bath and North East Somerset is a Unitary Authority District with a total population of roughly 180,000. The City of Bath is its main urban area (with a population of 89,000). The market towns of Keynsham, Midsomer Norton and Radstock are home to 50% of the rest of the population.
The Bath area has a brilliant reputation for education, with a vast range of highly ranking schools and academies to choose between. 88% of secondary schools and 82% of primary schools were awarded ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ in the 2011 (most recent) OFSTED local authority assessment profile.
Housing options in Bath range from iconic terraced Georgian town houses, to smart new riverside apartments, to family homes in surrounding towns and villages. Vibrant market towns such as Frome in Somerset, Midsomer Norton in B&NES and Bradford-on-Avon in Wiltshire are all accessible in around 30 minutes.
New homes in the city centre are being built on the award winning Bath Western Riverside development which will provide 2,200 new homes when complete.
The city of Bath is a shopper’s haven, combining the big name brands like Ted Baker, Urban Outfitters, Jo Malone, Apple, Anthropologie and Banana Republic, with an inspiring range of interesting independents.
Take the time to browse the quaint back streets and passageways to discover the unique specialist and independent shops and a delightful range of small cafes and delis.
Bath is an active city. Whether you are an avid fan of Bath Rugby or not, it is impossible not to get swept up in the excitement of a game, evident from the cheering heard throughout the city on game days. Just up the river you will also find Bath's cricket club.
Placed on the edge of the Mendips, Radstock has access to spectacular routes for both walking and cycling with quiet country lanes and beautiful countryside. Directly linked to the A367, Radstock is a great commuter town for those who work in the bigger cities of Bath and Bristol, but prefer the smaller, friendly community of Radstock’s 5,600 strong population.
Being on the doorstep of two of the UK’s most thriving cities, as well as within a stone’s throw from the River Avon, Keynsham has plenty of business opportunity. The area benefits from an excellent network of walking and cycling routes, including the Monarch’s Way, the River Avon Trail and the Bristol and Bath Railway path. Easy to reach from Bath, Keynsham has a good rail link, benefiting from a railway station that offers regular trains to London Waterloo & Cardiff City.
Manvers Street provides an exciting opportunity to transform the area between South Parade and the railway station into a mixed use commercial quarter that celebrates and is sensitive to its historic setting.
