Plans to establish a new home for Bath’s Fashion Museum within a historic city centre building are set to be decided by Bath and North East Somerset Council’s planning committee next week.
The proposal involves converting the former post office at the corner of New Bond Street and Broad Street into a stunning new venue for the internationally renowned Fashion Museum. Since leaving its previous location at the Assembly Rooms in 2022, the museum’s celebrated clothing collection has been housed in a glove factory in Wiltshire, awaiting a permanent home.
On Wednesday, May 13, the council’s planning committee will vote on whether to approve the project. Planning officers have recommended approval, emphasizing that the benefits of the scheme far outweigh any potential drawbacks.
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The redevelopment plan includes creating galleries on the upper floors and a flexible exhibition space in the 2005 rear extension. Part of this extension will be removed to restore the building’s historic courtyard. The design also features a spacious, inviting foyer with a museum shop and street-facing storefront on New Bond Street.
Additionally, the council aims to pedestrianise the southern end of Broad Street, transforming it into a new public square. The space could accommodate outdoor seating for a café planned within the museum’s entrance area.
While the project is led by the council, final planning permission is not guaranteed. The independent planning committee has previously rejected council proposals, making this a critical decision.
The plans have garnered widespread approval from experts, with only one public objection citing concerns over the location’s public transport accessibility.
Securing planning permission is a crucial milestone in the timeline for the museum’s projected 2030 opening.
The total cost of the project is estimated at £54 million. This figure includes £8 million for purchasing the building, £37 million for renovation works, and £7 million for creating the new public square. The council has reassured the public of its firm control over the budget and project management.
Funding is expected to come from multiple sources: grants and donations—including support from the West of England Combined Authority and the National Lottery—will cover nearly half the renovation costs. The council will finance £20 million through borrowing, with plans for the museum’s future profits to cover £17 million of this debt. The remaining £3 million will be funded through the council’s operational budget.
In March, Mark Elliott, the council’s cabinet member for resources, defended the investment, stating: “To deliver a world-class museum and revitalise the surrounding public spaces for £54 million is a significant achievement. This project will not only create a major cultural and heritage asset of international significance for Bath and North East Somerset but will also foster civic pride, boost the local economy, support skills development, showcase craftsmanship, and help regenerate the Milsom Quarter.”
The planning committee meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 13, in the council chamber at Bath’s Guildhall.