Bath Fashion Museum Takes Major Step Towards Reopening in City Centre

Plans to reopen and reinvent the much-loved Bath Fashion Museum have taken a significant step forward, with a formal planning application now submitted to Bath and North East Somerset Council.

The museum, which closed three years ago after leaving its former home at the Assembly Rooms, is set to relocate to the Grade II listed Old Post Office on New Bond Street. The move forms a key part of the wider Milsom Quarter Masterplan, a major regeneration project aimed at revitalising Bath’s city centre and reimagining the high street for future generations.

A World-Class Museum in a Historic Building

The ambitious plans outline how the historic Old Post Office will be transformed into a modern, world-class fashion museum, while carefully preserving the character of the landmark building. Once reopened, the museum is expected to attract around 250,000 visitors each year, reinforcing Bath’s reputation as a leading cultural destination.

The redevelopment goes far beyond a simple refurbishment. Proposals include a restored and enlarged entrance foyer, new exhibition galleries, learning spaces, retail units and a café, all designed to make the museum more accessible and welcoming to residents and visitors alike.

Northgate Square: A New Public Space for Bath

One of the most striking elements of the plans is the creation of a brand-new public square in the heart of Bath. Known as Northgate Square, the space would be formed by pedestrianising the end of Broad Street in front of St Michael’s Church.

Designed as a lively and attractive gathering place, the square will feature outdoor seating linked to the museum café, adding a new social hub to the city centre and enhancing the wider Milsom Quarter area.

Improved Accessibility and Inclusive Design

Accessibility has been a central consideration in the proposals. The Old Post Office’s iconic rotunda will no longer serve as the main entrance due to its stepped access. Instead, new level entrances will be created by adapting existing window openings at ground level, providing inclusive access for all visitors.

The rotunda itself could be reimagined as a display space in the future, though this would be subject to a separate planning application.

Gardens, Galleries and Sustainable Design

Inside the building, the original foyer will be restored to its former scale, offering free public access to selected displays, the café and the museum shop. The shop will also be able to operate independently outside museum opening hours, adding further vitality to New Bond Street.

At the rear of the building, part of a later extension will be removed to reinstate a historic courtyard. This space will be transformed into a garden designed to boost biodiversity, support natural cooling and ventilation, and connect fashion and textiles with nature.

The museum’s internationally significant fashion collection will be displayed across a series of horseshoe-shaped galleries on the upper floors. Semi-permanent galleries will sit within the main historic building, while a flexible exhibition space will be housed in a more modern extension.

A forward-thinking approach to climate control is also planned, reducing both running costs and carbon emissions while ensuring the long-term protection of rare and historic garments.

Significant Investment Secured

The project has attracted substantial financial backing, including funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Bath and North East Somerset Council and the West of England Combined Authority. Additional investment is earmarked for early works and public realm improvements linked to the new museum and surrounding area.

Since leaving the Assembly Rooms, the museum’s collection has been carefully stored in specialist facilities to ensure it remains in optimal condition until it can return to public display in Bath.

What Happens Next?

Although the planning application has been submitted by the council’s own heritage services, it will be assessed independently by the planning committee in line with local planning policy. The committee has full authority to approve or refuse the application.

If approved, the reopening of Bath Fashion Museum would mark a major milestone for the city’s cultural life, tourism economy and ongoing regeneration of the city centre.