Bath Abbey

Footprint

Making a Mark

The Footprint project at Bath Abbey is about moving from past to future. Thanks to this pioneering multi-million-pound initiative, our historic floor has been saved from collapse and the building has been opened up in new ways – to be enjoyed in its full glory by future generations.

We are also far more energy-efficient with new LED lighting system and underfloor heating that is powered by renewable energy from Bath’s famous hot springs.

After so much of the Project being hidden behind the scenes, we have now completed our new Song School, meeting rooms and office space in Kingston Buildings, as well as a brand new Learning space which will transform what we are able to offer not just to our own Abbey congregation, but to the city we serve and its visitors. Our Abbey Shop has also had a complete transformation.

The final phase was the opening of the exciting new Discovery Centre which opened on 7 March 2023.

Memorial ledgerstones on Bath Abbey's floor, looking down the nave towards the altar and east window

The Footprint project aims:

Conservation

  • Restoring the Abbey’s collapsing floor, a precious part of our city’s Georgian heritage
  • Preserving our community spirit by opening up even more opportunities for volunteering, groups and partnerships – through a whole host of activities

Innovation

  • Harnessing Bath’s hot spring waters to power eco-friendly underfloor heating
  • Re-imagining spaces to create a comfortable, flexible place for all, from special services to family fun days, civic ceremonies to concerts

Inspiration

  • Telling the story of the Abbey’s fascinating history through a brand new Discovery Centre
  • An inspiring new learning space for schoolchildren right up to mature students
  • A brand new Song School; home for the Abbey’s choirs and where visiting musicians can rehearse and be made welcome
Images of stained glass from Bath Abbey's windows
Footprint – Stained Glass
Medieval stonework displayed in Bath Abbey's Discovery Centre
Footpring – Medieval Stonework
People in the museum space of Bath Abbey's Discovery Centre
Footprint – Discovery
Interactive exhibit in Bath Abbey's Discovery Centre
Footprint – Exhibition in the Discovery Centre
A large crowd of people stood in a church with a floating model of the Earth hanging from the roof in the background
Artwork by school children
Architect's visualisation learning room
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