Bath Care Home Invests In £1.4M Flood Prevention Project

Work is underway to improve flood defences and safeguard residents at Bridgemead care home for older people, situated on the banks of the River Avon in central Bath

Owners of Bridgemead care home, Bath, are taking action in response to concerns that the riverside site is vulnerable to flooding. Pilgrims’ Friend Society, which took over the running of Bridgemead in October 2024, is investing an estimated £1.4m in improving defences at the home. The measures include the addition of a wrap-around glass screen on the home’s lowest level and the extension of the existing defence wall.

In recent years, Bath has seen an increase in the frequency of flooding events. When Bridgemead opened in 1992, the home met the required standards for flood prevention. However, new river modelling technology has brought to light the increased scale of flooding challenges on the River Avon. The new measures being implemented aim to provide protection for the home against a 1 in 65-year probability flooding event.

Hugh Lambourne, Director of Property Services, is overseeing the project. He said, “We are delighted that work to improve the flood resilience at Bridgemead is now underway. As an organisation, Pilgrims’ Friend Society is committed to providing excellent care for older people and these improvements to our home in Bath will ensure that this provision can continue for many years to come.”

Work began on the site in April 2025 and is forecast to be completed by December 2025, ahead of months when the risk of flooding is highest.

Plans for the flood prevention work were drawn up by Bath-based firm SRA Architects and are being implemented by KP Wilton, a building contractor based in Bristol with experience in the healthcare sector.

“We aim is to ensure there is minimal disruption for our residents as the work takes place. Bridgemead is an important part of the Bath community and we are delighted that we will be able to continue providing excellent care for many years to come, enabling people to lead fulfilled lives.”