The Cabinet of Bath and North East Somerset Council met on Thursday 13 March 2025, approving the Heritage Services Business Plan for 2025-2030. This plan outlines strategies for the continued success and development of the council's heritage assets, including significant investment in the Fashion Museum Bath.

Heritage Services Business Plan 2025-2030

The Cabinet unanimously approved the Heritage Services Business Plan for 2025-2030. This comprehensive plan details the strategic direction for the council's heritage assets, including The Roman Baths, The Victoria Art Gallery, Bath Record Office, World Heritage Centre, Clore Learning Centre, and the Fashion Museum. The plan anticipates a projected surplus of £12 million in 2024/25, rising to £14.2 million in 2025/26, which will be reinvested into services and support vulnerable residents.

Key aspects of the approved plan include:

• Fashion Museum Bath Redevelopment: A capital budget of up to £2,135,000 was delegated for the development of detailed designs for the Fashion Museum Bath. This project is considered of significant cultural importance and is expected to attract substantial funding through grants and philanthropic contributions. The plan aims to create a world-class museum that will serve as a regenerative catalyst for the Milsom Quarter.
• Financial Sustainability: The plan highlights the success of Heritage Services as a redistributive tourism business, with income generated from visitors being fed directly back into the community. Proactive measures will be implemented to ensure continued success despite anticipated challenging market conditions.
• Visitor Experience and Community Engagement: The plan outlines strategies to enhance visitor experiences at The Roman Baths and The Victoria Art Gallery, including new tours, exhibitions, and the reopening of the Upper Gallery at the Victoria Art Gallery. There is a strong focus on community engagement, with initiatives targeting schools, vulnerable groups, and the wider population through programmes like the Discovery Card scheme.
• Environmental Sustainability: The Heritage Services department is committed to advancing the council's Net Zero commitments. Initiatives include optimising the Roman Baths Heat Exchange System, engaging suppliers for sustainable procurement, and working towards zero waste to landfill. A sustainability manager has been appointed to oversee these efforts and develop a decarbonisation plan.
• Operational Efficiency: The plan includes a review of the service's operational structure and a commitment to benchmarking performance to ensure value for money. Investment in the workforce and the implementation of an Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) strategy are also key components.

Councillor Matt McCabe, Cabinet Member for Built Environment, Housing and Sustainable Development, declared a non-registerable interest in this item as his wife is a Trustee for the Fashion Museum Foundation. He left the meeting for the discussion and decision on this item.

Councillor Kevin Guy, Leader of the Council, thanked residents for giving the administration the opportunity to deliver these projects and services.