The opening of a historic department store in Bath city centre has been pushed back to next year.
On Monday, May 18, Morleys Stores, the new owners of Jolly’s Bath announced the it would reopen the branch’s doors in March 2027, having previously announced it would open in October of this year.
The latest opening date is around a year later than initial plans, with the new owners previously announcing it was eyeing a reopening in spring 2026.
It was subsequently announced that the branch would be partially reopened in March, with the full opening in October opening. In March, that partial-reopening was pulled.
The Milsom Street store appeared doomed to vanish from the city’s streets before the local council and a new buyer swooped in and saved the well-known brand.
Posting the update on the Jolly's Facebook page, a spokesperson said the announcement marked “a significant moment for the city and the future of one of the country’s most historic department stores. “
The reopening follows a lengthy programme of restoration and redevelopment across the building, parts of which date back more than 250 years.
A spokesperson said the project has involved careful and painstaking conservation work, modernisation of key infrastructure, and the sensitive transformation of the site into a department store designed to serve Bath for generations to come.
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The spokesperson continued: “Morleys Stores has worked closely with Bath & North East Somerset Council, heritage specialists, local stakeholders, and construction teams to navigate the unique complexities that come with restoring a building of such historic importance.
“From preserving original architectural features to upgrading essential services within centuries-old structures, the project has required time and exceptional care, patience, and craftsmanship.
“Morleys remains committed to delivering a store that reflects both the rich heritage of Bath and the expectations of today’s shoppers.”
Ray Clacher, Morleys Stores chief executive officer said: “Working within a series of interconnected buildings that have evolved over more than two and a half centuries has been both inspiring and incredibly complex.
“Every stage of the project has presented opportunities to protect and celebrate the history of Jolly’s while ensuring we create the very best department store possible for the residents of Bath and visitors to the city.
“We know how much affection people hold for Jolly’s, and that has driven our ambition from the very beginning.
“Our goal is not simply to reopen the store, but to create a vibrant, welcoming destination that Bath can be proud of for many years to come.”
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