Jolly’s in Bath, one of the oldest department stores in Europe, is closing down as plans to spend millions upgrading it have been approved by landlord Bath & North East Somerset Council.
The Jolly’s department store on Milsom Street
It was bought by House of Fraser in the 1970s and taken over by retail mogul Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group six years ago.
The closure, announced this week when signs appeared in the shop’s windows, took the council by surprise and on Tuesday it released a statement saying: “House of Fraser went into administration in August 2018 and since then the council has been working hard to ensure a secure future for this flagship store at the heart of the Milsom Quarter.
“A significant element of the plan is to make Jolly’s once again the anchor store for Milsom Street, and a programme of works, which are already under way, will see significant investment in the building over the coming months.
“The council was unaware of the intention of the current occupier to put up the notices which have appeared in the windows of the store.
“While plans are at an advanced stage with a third-party occupier, the council is not in a position to make a formal statement at this time in relation to its proposals for the future of one of Bath’s most important department stores.
“However, the intention is that a joint statement with this third party will be made at the appropriate time.”
It’s believed the store will close in February 2025
There were problems at the department store last year with water pouring in and broken panes of glass falling into the trading area.
Repairs and alteration work to five skylights at the Grade II listed building were approved earlier this year, as were plans to remove metal stairs and walkways at the rear that were deemed a health and safety risk.
There is a current planning application to carry out internal and external work including re-roofing, repairs to external walls, extensive window and door repairs/replacement, storm water repairs and upgrading, and the upgrade and replacement of mechanical, electrical and public health services installation.
Although Jolly’s is not specifically mentioned in a council report as part of it was exempt, the cabinet member for resources, Councillor Mark Elliott, (Lib Dem, Lansdown), agreed at the end of last month to approve capital spending of £10 million into “properties within the Milsom Quarter Masterplan area”.
The report said: “This decision is being taken under urgency powers to enable full approval of the capital budget to address essential maintenance to buildings within the Milsom Quarter.
“The urgency relates to the need for securing this decision without delay as tenders for works are time limited and accordingly, they need to be contractually agreed within that time period.
“Furthermore, this will facilitate the agreement of lettings which are dependent upon this decision ensuring the ongoing use of key council commercial properties that will contribute to the economic sustainability and vibrancy of the Milsom Quarter.”
In addition, Councillor Elliott accepted a recommendation to “Allocate £502K Revenue Budget Contingency (within Corporate Budgets cash limit) to Commercial Estate of £13K in 24/25, a further £358K in 25/26 and £131K in 26/27.”
He also agreed to delegate lease decisions to council officers.
