Fashion Museum Bath and the wider Milsom Quarter regeneration project have received a major financial boost, following approval of an additional £7 million in funding from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.
Bath & North East Somerset Council welcomed the investment, which will support the museum’s relocation to the Grade II listed Old Post Office and help advance plans to transform the surrounding Milsom Quarter into a cultural and commercial destination.
The funding is an important step in the city’s regeneration strategy, which aims to improve public spaces, support local businesses and create new opportunities for residents and visitors. The museum, which received planning permission and listed building consent earlier this year, is scheduled to begin construction in 2027 before opening to the public in 2030.
New Fashion Museum To Celebrate 400 Years Of History
The new Fashion Museum Bath will house an internationally significant collection of approximately 100,000 objects, representing more than four centuries of fashion history. The collection has received Designated status in recognition of its national importance and will form the foundation of the museum’s exhibitions and educational programmes.
Once completed, the museum aims to become the UK’s leading institution dedicated to exploring fashion’s influence on culture, society and everyday life. The attraction is expected to welcome more than 250,000 visitors annually, providing a significant boost to Bath’s tourism and cultural sectors.
According to project estimates, the museum could generate at least £111 million in economic and social value across the West of England. Alongside its exhibitions, the development will introduce opportunities for education, professional training and career development. These will include apprenticeships, work placements and practical experience for people interested in creative industries, heritage conservation and technical professions.
The project will also support wellbeing and community engagement through programmes designed to make the museum’s collections and activities accessible to a wider audience.
Milsom Quarter Transformation Gathers Momentum
The museum forms a central part of the wider Milsom Quarter Masterplan, which outlines the council’s long-term vision for revitalising this part of Bath. The regeneration programme includes improvements to streets and public spaces, additional greenery and better connections for pedestrians and cyclists.
Plans also feature a new public square intended to provide a welcoming gathering space for residents, businesses and visitors.
The first phase of the Milsom Quarter Public Realm scheme is progressing through design development, although implementation remains subject to the necessary statutory approvals.
The latest £7 million allocation builds on £3.25 million previously committed by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority. Additional financial support has come from Bath & North East Somerset Council, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Clore Duffield Foundation.
Councillor Kevin Guy, leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, described the investment as an important milestone for both the museum and the wider regeneration programme. He highlighted the project’s potential to attract visitors, create employment opportunities and strengthen the local economy while improving the city centre.
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, also welcomed the funding, noting that Fashion Museum Bath could become another major attraction alongside established destinations such as the Roman Baths and Jane Austen Centre. She emphasised the opportunities the development could create for local businesses and workers, particularly in hospitality, retail and the creative industries.
With construction expected to begin in 2027, the project will help secure the museum’s long-term future while supporting Bath’s ambition to develop a more connected, sustainable and culturally vibrant city centre.
