Decision details

Corporate property acquisition to ensure continuation of service provision.

·  To approve the acquisition of a property within the Milsom Quarter, Bath, in order to secure a new location for the Bath Fashion Museum.

·  To delegate approval to the Director of Sustainable Communities,in consultation with the S151 officer to accept RIF (Revolving Infrastructure Fund) grant from WECA for the acquisition of this property. These funds will be spent in line with the Full Business Case submitted toWECA.

Securing a property for the Fashion Museum and one of the world’s great museum collections is a key part of the strategy for regenerating the Milsom Quarter. The acquisition will provide the catalyst for significant regeneration projects with multiple direct and indirect social benefits in a key area of the city centre.

A “do nothing” option in relation to the museum relocation was assessed, but it would result in the closure of the museum with negative impacts for the community, visitors to Bath, Bath Spa University, and the Milsom Quarter masterplan.