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A UK city often described as the country's most beautiful is set to receive a big boost as another retailer prepares to open inside one of its main shopping centres. Japanese clothing brand Uniqlo has confirmed plans to launch a new store in Bath, with refurbishment work already approved by Bath and North East Somerset Council.

The new shop will open on Saint Lawrence Street in the SouthGate shopping centre. Planning documents show the unit will be completely refreshed before Uniqlo moves in. The paperwork reads: "The package of refurbishment works seeks to improve both the visual appearance and functionality of the existing unit to allow occupation by a new retailer UNIQLO."

An exact opening date has not yet been announced. The development has also prompted discussion about what other brands people would like to see in the city centre, with John Lewis, Søstrene Grene and Muji among the most mentioned.

The opening follows Uniqlo's wider expansion in the region, including a new store at Cabot Circus in Bristol this spring.

Speaking to BristolLive, Uniqlo UK COO Alessandro Dudech said: "Uniqlo remains committed to strengthening its presence within the UK retail sector by expanding both our physical store network and ecommerce capabilities nationwide."

SouthGate is one of Bath's busiest shopping areas, home to more than 60 retailers.

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It recently welcomed a huge four-storey M&S, which opened in February. Laurence Budden, senior asset manager at British Land, previously described 2025 as a turning point for the centre.

Commenting on the new M&S opening, he said: "We are delighted to welcome Marks and Spencer to SouthGate Bath; they are the perfect addition to our strong line-up and further enhance the mix for our visitors.

"SouthGate's prominent city centre location and strong transport links create a compelling offer, and with this the scheme is now fully let.

"This opening is a great way to start a transformational year for SouthGate, building on other recent openings, including Sunglass Hut, Zara and Rituals, with more exciting news to come."

Bath is often considered the UK's most beautiful city thanks to its honey-coloured Georgian buildings, Roman history and gorgeous natural landscape.

Its famous uniform architecture and centuries-old streets attract millions of visitors each year, and the entire city is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visit Bath describes it as "an elegant city full of traditional heritage, contemporary culture, green spaces and a few surprises."

The city has been a destination for wellbeing since Roman times, with tourists still visiting the ancient Roman Baths and the modern Thermae Bath Spa, which features Britain's only natural thermal waters you can bathe in.

Bath's compact centre is full of independent shops, museums and galleries. Beyond the centre, visitors can explore Somerset countryside and nearby attractions such as Stonehenge, Castle Combe and Longleat Safari Park.