Morleys Stores has confirmed that Jolly's of Bath will reopen its doors in March 2027, marking "a significant moment for the city and the future of one of the country’s most historic department stores".
The reopening follows an extensive programme of restoration and redevelopment across the landmark building, parts of which date back more than 250 years. 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, says Morleys which, throughout the process, has worked closely with Bath & North East Somerset Council, heritage specialists, local stakeholders, and construction teams to navigate the 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," states the department store group. "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' CEO, says: “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.”
Councillor Mark Elliott, cabinet member for Resources, adds: “Morleys’ ongoing commitment to investing in the city is a strong vote of confidence in Bath’s economy. The store itself is a really complex building and restoring it to its full potential takes vision and time – we look forward to welcoming Morleys’ new store early next year, it will be a fantastic addition to Milsom Street and our ambitions for the Milsom Quarter.”
The renewed store is set to combine carefully restored historic features with contemporary retail spaces. Morleys has also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting local suppliers and community partnerships as part of the store’s long-term future.
