Even quite late in the 18th century, Stall Street was still crammed with shops and lodging houses which hid the spa buildings from passers-by. Sedan chairs carrying noble visitors had to be jostled down narrow lanes and passages to reach the baths. So Bath Corporation directed architect Thomas Baldwin to create a more gracious city centre. On one side of Stall Street an airy colonnade arose beside a new pump room and entrance to the main baths. On the other the new Bath Street cut through to the smaller baths.