Why an Iconic Bath Location Has Been Covered in Scaffolding for Months

If you’ve recently walked along Bath High Street, you might have noticed an iconic feature hidden behind scaffolding. The elegant glass canopy marking the entrance to the historic Corridor arcade, located opposite the Guildhall, has been shrouded in protective scaffolding for several months.

This beautiful 1920s glass canopy, designed by A.J. Taylor and added in 1927, is currently deemed unsafe due to significant structural failure. An inspection revealed that critical components of the canopy had deteriorated to the point of being fundamentally unsafe. The report warned that neglect over time had compromised the structure’s integrity, stating that “potentially catastrophic failure can only be averted by major intervention.”

The white, box-like scaffolding you see is not merely a precaution but is actively supporting the weakened corners of the canopy. In response, Conegate, the real estate company that owns the Corridor, has submitted a planning application to Bath and North East Somerset Council seeking permission to remove, repair, and fully restore the canopy.

The application highlights the dangerous condition of the canopy: “The glass entrance canopy is in an extremely bad condition. It is badly degraded and unsafe and is currently shrouded in scaffolding and timber encasements. Whilst this is a necessary public safety requirement, it is causing significant harm to the businesses at 18 and 19 High Street.”

The Corridor itself, dating back to 1825, is one of the UK’s earliest retail arcades. It has a rich history, including a major renovation in the 1970s after an IRA bomb attack and a significant repair six years ago following roof damage caused by heavy snowfall.

As work progresses, the aim is to carefully restore the iconic canopy to its former glory, ensuring safety while preserving this treasured piece of Bath’s architectural heritage.