Work is now under way at the historic Jolly’s department store on Milsom Street, Bath, with contractors Bray & Slaughter commencing the first phase of a major restoration project.
The building, owned by Bath & North East Somerset Council, is undergoing a programme of essential restorative works focused on the external fabric. The initial phase aims to make the structure weather-tight and includes extensive roof renewals, window repairs, and improvements to rainwater drainage systems.
Once this stage is complete, internal refurbishment will follow, led by department store group Morleys, with the goal of transforming the site into a vibrant new retail destination for the city.
Jolly’s is one of Europe’s oldest department stores and has stood as a landmark in Bath’s retail landscape for over a century. During the restoration period, decorative vinyl window graphics will illustrate the building’s rich heritage through a timeline — from the launch of a seasonal shop around 1823 to the planned reopening as part of Morleys Stores in spring 2026.
Councillor Mark Elliott, Cabinet Member for Resources at Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “The council is investing significantly in the restoration of Jolly’s and I’ll watch with interest as work is carried out to preserve the historic fabric of this flagship building at the heart of the Milsom Quarter.”
Grant Jefferies, Managing Director of Bray & Slaughter, added: “Growing up near Bath, Jolly’s has been a constant presence on Milsom Street throughout my life. To have the opportunity to showcase our technical expertise and deliver a project that will secure the future of this historic site is a challenge my colleagues and I are proud to undertake.”
The timeline displayed on-site will also celebrate the heritage of Morleys Stores, reinforcing the company’s commitment to restoring the store to its former glory and ensuring the Jolly’s legacy lives on for future generations.
Allan Winstanley, Chief Executive of Morleys Department Stores, said: “We’re thrilled that work is under way restoring Jolly’s to its former glory. We’re extremely proud to be one step closer to taking stewardship of Jolly’s and creating a world-class shopping experience for the people of Bath and its many visitors.”
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