Ambitious plans to regenerate Milsom Quarter in Bath, including a new home for the Fashion Museum, have taken another step forward after being awarded more than £2.4m in new funding.
The Milsom Quarter Masterplan will revitalise the north of Bath city centre by attracting creative industries, providing 180 new homes and transforming the area into a nationally renowned fashion destination centred around a new location for the museum.
Bath & North East Somerset Council has secured the money from the West of England Combined Authority which approved the £2.475 million award on September 23.
Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “I’m pleased a bumper £2.4 million cash injection from the West of England Combined Authority I lead means we can get on with progressing this important project helping transform vital areas of Bath and getting the city firing on all cylinders. This funding represents an important step as we look to give Bathonians a more vibrant and busier Milsom Quarter, making this incredible city an even better place to live, work and visit. Now let’s get on and deliver.”
The funding will allow the council to appoint designers to develop the design for the new Fashion Museum, public realm improvements, the redevelopment of the Cattlemarket car park to create new homes and the redevelopment of the Broad Street car park to provide flexible workspace for the creative industries.
Councillor Mark Roper, cabinet member for Economic Development, Regeneration & Growth, said: “This funding is excellent news for the city and will help deliver the ambitious plans for Milsom Quarter, ensuring it has a positive future. Now, several key projects can move forward including determining the new location for a redesigned Fashion Museum. This will act as a catalyst for change and encourage other landowners to invest in the area.”
The Masterplan sets the vision for the next 20 years to revitalise the north part of the city centre. Up to 180 new residential properties would be created in new development, alongside repurposing vacant spaces above shops to accommodate employment space, leisure and residential use, increasing the mix of uses and vibrancy in the area.
A new public square at St Michael’s Church and restricted vehicle access would make the Quarter greener and give priority for walking, wheeling and cycling. Access would be maintained for public transport, for servicing and deliveries and for other exemptions.
