A new phase of improvement work is set to begin this month at Bath’s historic Guildhall, delivered under Bath & North East Somerset (BANES) Council’s General Building Framework. The £130,000, 12-week programme, scheduled to run from November through to January 2026, will provide essential maintenance and refurbishment aimed at preserving the building’s heritage while enhancing access to public services and supporting the co-located safeguarding and youth justice office, council housing teams, and wider advice services.

The works will address two key streams of activity. The first centres on futureproofing the building’s historic fabric. This phase begins with the installation of external and internal scaffolding to allow specialists to undertake detailed surveys that will guide future roofing replacement works and enable close inspection of the original skylights, including their glazing and timber surrounds within The Guild.

The second stream involves a comprehensive internal reconfiguration and refurbishment of the 540m² area accommodating council housing and advice services, the safeguarding and youth justice office, and Citizens Advice operations. This includes creating individual offices, an activity room, a conference room, a staff kitchen, breakout areas, and WCs, along with the formation of a new front-of-house reception area. Additional enhancements will include energy-efficient LED lighting, electrical upgrades, new flooring, redecoration, and other modernisation measures designed to improve functionality while remaining sensitive to the Guildhall’s historic character.

All improvements will be carefully managed to minimise disruption to existing council operations and public events. Works will be carried out in full accordance with heritage and conservation guidelines, recognising the Guildhall’s significance as one of Bath’s most iconic civic landmarks. Throughout the project, the delivery team will work closely with conservation officers, Building Control, and specialist subcontractors to ensure that all interventions respect and preserve the building’s original architectural features.

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