Bath to become home to the UK's "leading fashion museum" with £7.2 million grant
Construction is expected to start in 2027
The Fashion Museum Bath has been granted £7.2million by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to transform its facilities in Bath's city centre.
The museum will relocate to the Grade II listed Old Post Office in the UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing a collection of fashion pieces deemed nationally important by Arts Council England.
The museum's collection includes garments and accessories from the late sixteenth century to today, with notable pieces by Mary Quant and Alexander McQueen.
Councillor Kevin Guy, leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, emphasised the project's broad impact.
"This grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund marks a transformational moment for Bath and comes hot on the heels of the recently secured planning permission for the new Museum," Councillor Guy said.
"This project represents far more than capital investment. It will breathe new life into a landmark building, create opportunities for local people, support young people's skills and creativity, improve accessibility, strengthen Bath's visitor economy and enhance one of the city's most important public spaces.
"At a time when many places are scaling back ambition, Bath is investing in its future - combining heritage, culture, economic growth and public realm improvements to create a more vibrant, inclusive and prosperous city."
Stuart McLeod, from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:
"This is a once-in-a-generation project that will transform the Grade II listed Old Post Office, ensuring its heritage is conserved and reimagined for future generations,
"This project is about more than buildings and collections; its legacy will be shown through the people and communities it connects with. It will create meaningful opportunities for young people through skills development, training and pathways into work, helping to nurture the next generation of talent.
"Through extensive community engagement and partnerships, the museum will work with people from underserved and disadvantaged communities, ensuring that the benefits of this investment are widely shared."
Mayor of the West of England, Helen Godwin said:
“This major boost from the National Lottery Heritage Fund is exciting news for the Fashion Museum, helping to open up its remarkable collection to fashion fans and historians around the world online while it continues its journey towards a new home in Milsom Quarter,
"When it reopens, the Fashion Museum will not only strengthen Bath’s existing appeal as a world-class visitor destination, but further cement the West of England’s reputation as a globally leading centre of creativity and culture.”
Construction is expected to start in late 2027.