Bath Abbey has reopened its shop to the public today, Monday 15th November, revealing a refurbished interior and range of new displays following the completion of the Footprint project.
Photo © Bath Abbey
Located in the 1920s Jackson extension on the south side of the Abbey, the newly-renovated shop has been fitted with new shelving units and displays that better showcase the products available.
One new addition is a children’s area, featuring toys, books and a pocket-money range.
The shop will also continue to stock a wide range of Christian books, Bibles and cards as well as unusual gifts and souvenirs.
These will include several products created exclusively for the Abbey which have been inspired by its history; from its beginnings as a Benedictine monastery to King Edgar, the first King of all England’s, coronation, to the present day.
Christmas decorations, Nativity sets and CDs of the Bath Abbey Choir’s music also prove popular during this time of year.
Donna Lodge, Bath Abbey’s Retail Manager, said that the opening of the new shop had been much anticipated.
She said: “In the last two years, our lovely shop’s had to move out of the Jackson extension into a temporary home – and even had to close temporarily – while the Abbey has been undergoing major building and restoration work as part of its Footprint project.
“We’re fortunate to have a fantastic team of staff and volunteers who have waited patiently and adapted to the shop’s various different guises during this time so it is fantastic finally to be in our permanent new home.
“We hope everyone will agree that the transformation that has taken place is truly fantastic and worth the wait.
“Our whole team is looking forward to welcoming customers into this beautiful new space; from old friends and regular customers to those visiting for the first time.”
The refurbishment of the Abbey shop is part of Bath Abbey’s £20million Footprint project.
Supported by the National Heritage Lottery Fund, the Abbey’s historic floor has been fully restored and saved from collapse, eco-heating powered by energy from Bath’s hot springs has been installed, and new underground spaces and facilities have been created.
In addition, new programmes to enhance community engagement through volunteering, learning and family activities are being implemented, with a new Discovery Centre expected to open to the public later next year.
