Missed opportunity?

Richard Wyatt

The announcement that M & S are moving from their current site to the now vacated Debenham’s store in Southgate makes economic sense l am sure.

It’s a purpose-built, modern store with air-con and good delivery depot around the back.

I have no idea what financial deal the company has struck up with Aviva and British Land, who own Southgate Bath, but l am sure it is favourable.

Being a private shopping area, they won’t even have any homeless outside their new front entrance.

Though, l must say, l have never witnessed them being cold-hearted enough to move them away.

I have no idea when M & S told B&NES they were going to move from property the council owns, but l can’t help wondering if this soon-to- be empty and substantial building would have made a better new home for Bath’s Fashion Museum ?

The council already owns the building so would have saved a fair bit of money! Is it too late to change their minds?

Well, a quick come back from B&NES on this one! Cllr Mark Elliott, who is Cabinet member for Resources, emailed the following:

‘Whilst the council own the Freehold on the building, M&S retain a long term lease and are still responsible for the building.  It does not revert to the council when they move out.

 The council is working closely with M&S to understand their future plans for the building.


With regard to the fashion museum – I believe the old Post Office location is the right place.  It’s in an anchor position at the bottom of the council’s Milsom Quarter Masterplan, and the building is more suitable.  (The M&S building is a *lot* bigger!)’

Thanks for that Mark. It will be interesting to discover what plans M & S have for their old Bath HQ!

Published by Richard Wyatt

Freelance Journalist, broadcaster, columnist and local historian. Director of Bath Newseum. Married and lives in Bath. Interested in local history, architecture and visual display in museums and urban spaces.

7 Comments

  1. Fashion Museum at the top of town much better than in the old M&S building, especially as Milsom Street is to become a “high end “ fashion area.

  2. Would be great to have the fashion museum in the centre of town near other tourist attractions
    Could fit in an art gallery there too!

  3. Good comment, but I think the Old Post Office is a much more iconic building, and more suited for a museum

  4. I believe M&S only pay £5,000 pa rent on their existing shop, on a lease agreed with the then city council c.1960.

  5. Whilst the council own the Freehold on the building, M&S retain a long term lease and are still responsible for the building. It does not revert to the council when they move out. The council is working closely with M&S to understand their future plans for the building.
    With regard to the fashion museum – I believe the old Post Office location is the right place. It’s in an anchor position at the bottom of the council’s Milsom Quarter Masterplan, and the building is more suitable. (The M&S building is a *lot* bigger!)

  6. I agree. Not to mention that they would not have to change some of the use to residential and turf people out of their homes…and the space is much bigger..doubtless wouldn’t need all the structural changes and expense that the old GPO would…I’m sure they could change their plans..and actually let the shops around the GPO long term to revive the New Bond St area.
    Makes perfect sense…which probably means it won’t happen!!!!!! 🙄

  7. The M&S store and The Old Post Office both offer great locations for the Fashion Museum. However M&S in the main shopping area must surely provide greater footfall and other benefits. I would suggest that if the Council have an opportunity to consider the venue they should do so.

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