Situated in Bath between the Upper Bristol Road and the river Avon, Riverside Court presented a unique challenge due to its constrained industrial brownfield site status and its location within a conservation area and world heritage setting. Moreover, its adjacency to the Grade II listed Victoria Bridge added layers of complexity to the planning process.

Collaborative Design Approach

B|D landscape architects adopted a collaborative approach to address the site’s challenges and unlock its potential. The goal was to design a space that not only accommodated new apartments and a riverside café but also enhanced the public realm, particularly along the Northern river frontage.

Reflecting Historic Context

The landscape design was conceived with a deep respect for the historic context of Victoria Bridge. The aim was to create an inviting and adaptable riverfront that seamlessly integrated with the new residential development.

Café Terrace and Pocket Park

The Café Terrace serves as a transitional point between Victoria Bridge Road and the towpath. An accessible ramp, crafted from robust Yorkstone paving and seating elements, leads to the towpath. This design choice not only enhances the enclosure of the Café Terrace but also creates a sunny pocket park, activating the river corridor and offering picturesque views of Victoria Bridge and Bath Western Riverside.

Sustainable Landscaping

The pocket park features a sustainable soft landscape with a rain garden, designed to manage surface water through infiltration and attenuation. Semi-mature fastigiate oak trees, complemented by a mix of sedges, ornamental grasses, and bulbs, form a biodiverse fringe along the towpath. Ornamental planting along the path to Victoria Bridge includes a diverse mix of grasses, shrubs, herbaceous plants, and bulbs, providing valuable nectar sources and wildlife habitat. Native climbers and evergreen hedgerows add vertical greening and structural interest to the landscape year-round.

By blending functionality with aesthetics and sustainability, Riverside Court emerges not just as a residential development but as a vibrant public space that honors Bath’s rich heritage and natural environment.