Work has now begun to restore an historic department store on Bath’s high street after it was rescued from permanent closure earlier this year.
Jolly’s, on Milson Street, appeared doomed to disappear from the city’s streets before the local council and a new buyer swooped in and saved the well-known brand.
On Tuesday, March 18, Morleys Stores Ltd announced that it would step in to buy and reopen Jolly’s store on Bath’s Milsom Street, despite the shop formerly announcing that it would be closing its doors permanently at the end of February
The firm also confirmed it will be keeping the historic ‘Jolly’s’ name and is eyeing a reopening in spring 2026.
Jolly’s has been on the site since 1823, but it was thought that it would shut its doors for good on Saturday, February 22, ahead of the intervention from Morleys.
The store underwent a major refurbishment in 2014, but its future was put in doubt when House of Fraser went into administration in 2018 and was bought by Mike Ashley's Fraser's group, who struggled to keep the business going for the following six years.
Work has now begun on restoring the site, with contractor Bray and Slaughter carrying out the programme of works.
According to Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES) Council, the project’s first phase will focus on the outside of the building, with works to be carried out on the roof, windows, and drainage to waterproof the building.
This will be followed by internal refurbishment work, carried out by Morleys.
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Councillor Mark Elliott, cabinet member for Resources, said: “Jolly’s store is a very significant council-owned asset and we are investing significantly in restoration of the building so it can continue to benefit future generations of Bath residents and visitors.
“I’ll be taking a very active interest in progress as work is carried out to preserve the historic fabric of this flagship building at the heart of the Milsom Quarter.
“We’re delighted to have a fantastic partner in Morleys to take on the running of the store once the restoration work is complete.”
Grant Jefferies, managing director of Bray & Slaughter, commented: “Growing up near Bath, Jolly’s has been a constant presence on Milsom Street during my life and to have the opportunity to showcase our technical skills and deliver a project which will secure a future for the site is a challenge my colleagues and I are proud to be entrusted with.”
The history of Morleys Stores also features on the timeline, alongside a promise to restore the store to its former glory and ensure that the Jolly’s legacy lives on for generations of Bath residents.
Allan Winstanley, chief executive of Morleys Department Stores, said: “We’re thrilled that work is underway restoring Jolly’s to its former glory.
“We’re extremely proud to be another step closer to taking stewardship of Jolly’s and creating a world class shopping experience for the people of Bath and its many visitors.”
The works on Jolly’s is a key part of the city’s Milsom Quarter Masterplan which according to the council is designed to create a destination for fashion and culture.
The council hope the area will be transformed into a welcoming, accessible and vibrant destination for residents and visitors in the heart of the city.
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