Local residents are being given the opportunity to help shape the future of the new Fashion Museum in Bath, which is set to occupy the Old Post Office building in the city centre.
The Old Post Office in Bath
Bath & North East Somerset Council is inviting people to attend a series of drop-in events across the region to look at early-stage designs for the museum and the reimagined public space around it.
Fashion Museum Bath will be located in the Grade II listed building in the heart of Bath’s Milsom Quarter. One of only a few listed 20th-century buildings in central Bath, it will be transformed, restored, and repaired, turning it into a ‘Museum on the high street’.
The local authority says the new museum will “champion fashion’s transformative power” as a global industry. It will also be a space for learning, and community, one that supports the creative industries by championing craft, skills, and future talent, and by creating pathways to jobs and opportunities.
Inside the museum, larger and fully accessible exhibition spaces will span two floors, with new learning and event spaces and a café and a shop.
A courtyard garden at the centre of the building will be free and open to all, and will explore the connections between fashion and nature.
Outside, plans are under way to transform the streets and public spaces around the museum, making them more welcoming and accessible.
A new public square, featuring trees, seating, and space for events, will create a vibrant gathering place. The improvements will be supported by changes to transport and movement in the city centre, as set out in the Milsom Quarter Masterplan.
Thanks to a founding grant from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and development funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the council is moving forward with development plans and designs for both the museum and the public spaces around it and is keen to seek ideas from the public to help shape the museum’s future.
The planned drop-in events will offer a unique opportunity for the community to explore the early-stage designs, meet the project and design teams, and share ideas and feedback to help refine the museum’s plans.
Councillor Paul Roper, cabinet member for economic & cultural sustainable development, said: “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a world-leading museum in the heart of our beautiful UNESCO World Heritage city, and we want our communities to be part of that journey.
“The new Fashion Museum Bath is a key part of the delivery of our Milsom Quarter Masterplan, which aims to transform this area into a vibrant destination for fashion, design, culture, and community life.
“Thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, we’re now moving into the detailed phase of the project.
“We’re hosting activities and events in Bath City centre, Twerton, Somer Valley, Keynsham, and across the region, and we’re eager to hear from as many people as possible.
“Your ideas, insights, and feedback will play a vital role in shaping the future of the new Fashion Museum Bath and in reimagining the public spaces in this part of the city centre.”
A number of in-person events are scheduled, with information also available online for those who cannot attend.
In-Person Events:
Everyone is welcome, with no pre-registration required.
- The Old Post Office, 26 New Bond Street, Bath / 19th – 22nd June, midday – 6pm
- Bath Central Library / 27th June, 10am – 4pm
- Midsomer Norton Library / 5th July, 10am – 4pm
- Keynsham Library / 10th July, 10am – 4pm
- Midsomer Norton Summer Fayre / 12th July, noon – 5pm
- The Old Post Office*, 26 New Bond Street, Bath / 17th – 20th July, midday – 6pm
- Old Printworks Arts, Radstock / 29th & 30th July, 10am – 4pm
Online:
For those unable to attend in person, information will also be available online from 19th July. Visit www.fashionmuseum.co.uk to explore the plans and complete the survey to have your say.
Helen Godwin, the new Mayor of the West of England, said: “Fashion Museum Bath will be a unique jewel in the crown of the Milsom Quarter regeneration in the historic centre of Bath, alongside nearby iconic attractions like the Roman Baths and Jane Austen Centre, backed by the Mayoral Combined Authority.
“Local people will be at the heart of these exciting plans. I know that Bath & North East Somerset Council are looking forward to hearing everyone’s ideas and suggestions, and encourage residents to come along to the drop-in events.
“Together, we will showcase even more of our cultural and creative heritage, create new jobs, and attract more investment and visitors to beautiful Bath.”
