Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Talks held to find new Jolly’s owner
Interest shown by other firms as Mike Ashley negotiations continue:
TALKS have been held with another potential operators of Jolly’s in Bath with council bosses “doing their upmost” to secure the future of the city’s oldest department store.
The unnamed firms are among several parties that have approached the building’s owner Bath and North East Somerset Council since the collapse of House of Fraser and its subsequent takeover by Sports Direct.
But the Western Daily Press understands the authority remains in advanced discussions with Mike Ashley’s firm, and an announcement is finally expected on the iconic store in the coming weeks.
House of Fraser held a 70-year lease of the building in Milsom Street, which started in 2011, a Freedom of Information Act request to the council has also revealed.
Last night, Tim Warren, leader of the council, said: “I understand the necessity to retain a high-quality department store in Jolly’s.
“My team are doing their upmost to make that happen and should have an announcement very shortly.”
He added: “Negotiations are close to a deal being signed with an operator.”
The announcement could bring to an end a saga that has lasted for the past six months. As plans to improve the area with investment to the Quayside and South Gate gather pace, business leaders are keen for Jolly’s to remain open.
But discussions between the council and Mr Ashley’s team have been challenging. Four months ago, he attacked landlords of some of the 59 stores of the collapsed House of Fraser, describing them as “greedy” as he went about negotiating future terms of leases.
Dozens of those stores have been saved, including Swindon’s outlet store and one in Bristol’s Cabot Cir- cus. But stores have also been earmarked for closure, including one in Cirencester town centre.
This week, The County Stores in Taunton announced it would be closing after nearly 200 years in business.
Allison Herbert, chief executive of Bath Business Improvement District, said: “Milsom Street is an iconic retail destination and we would hope to see a high-quality shopping offer remain in that location for enjoyment of residents and visitors.
“We have always enjoyed an excellent relationship with the staff and management at Jolly’s.”
Jolly’s was opened by James Jolly and his son Thomas in 1831. It was taken over by Dingle in 1970 and then House of Fraser in 1971. A spokesman for the council said: “Correspondence held and relating to House of Fraser has been received either from the commercial agent or lawyers representing Sports Direct and all information held is in connection with proposed lease terms.
“We are currently in discussions of a commercial nature with potential operators of the store.
“We consider that disclosure of negotiations or commercially sensitive information at this time would prejudice the commercial interests of the parties involved.”