Major transformation for Glastonbury approved
More than £23-million regeneration plans for Glastonbury have finally been rubber stamped
Last updated 28th Sep 2022
A once in a lifetime opportunity', that's £23-million regeneration plans for Glastonbury have been described, with 11-community led schemes due to finished by 2026.
The projects chosen include community food and energy schemes, and changes to the historic abbey's piazza (see full list below).
Dr Lynne Sedgmore CBE, Chair of the Glastonbury Town Deal Board, said: “This is a significant and very exciting moment for the whole town. We now know that we will definitely receive £23.6million from the Government to deliver all eleven Glastonbury Town Deal projects. Every penny we bid for has been granted!
“I thank everyone involved for their contribution to this phenomenal success. We will take a moment to celebrate, then get right back to work on overseeing the delivery phase with our hard-working project partners.
“The next stage will now unfold and we look forward to informing and engaging everyone as best we can regarding the future transformation of our wonderful Glastonbury.”
Glastonbury was one of 101 towns chosen to receive investment through the government’s Towns Fund scheme as part of its Levelling Up agenda.
Comprehensive Business Cases for each project were submitted earlier this year to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. Following their review, formal confirmation of the funding has now been received by the Glastonbury Town Deal team.
James Heappey, Vice Chair of the Glastonbury Town Deal Board, MP for Wells and Minister for the Armed Forces, said: "This is truly transformative and will benefit Glastonbury for generations to come. This wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work and commitment of the whole board to bring the vision to life.
“It is now time to deliver the wide ranging and exciting projects which will change our town for the better, bringing employment to our area and – crucially – provide opportunities to people living across Mid-Somerset.”
The next steps for the Glastonbury Town Deal Board, project teams and support team will be to complete the necessary surveys and other assessments for each project, and submit their planning applications where required. Preliminary works could begin in early 2023, subject to permission being granted, with all projects needing to be completed by the end of March 2026.
An open day event will be organised to inform the local community about the updated project details, as well as providing opportunities for local contractors and suppliers to get involved in the project supply chains. This is likely to take place in November, in a central location in Glastonbury. Further details about this event will be issued in due course and announced on the Glastonbury Town Deal website.
The confirmed Glastonbury Town Deal projects are as follows:
• Regeneration of the historic Baily’s Buildings - Repurposing two historic buildings into a sustainable hub for local start-up, small and growing businesses and to deliver employment opportunities. The complex will also house a small, dedicated museum celebrating the town’s industrial heritage and be used by educational groups and the community.
• Establishment of the Glastonbury Enterprise and Innovation Hub - Re-developing Beckery House into a dedicated centre for the town’s vibrant business community. The aim is to help meet demand for affordable flexible managed workspaces and provide support for grow-on businesses, particularly the food and manufacturing sectors.
• Regeneration of Building C to establish The Life Factory - Regenerating an iconic building to create a vibrant, shared community resource for all – but particularly young people. It will be an inspiring place to make, create and grow as a community with zones for skills development, arts & craft makers and activities, youth, media, broadcasting and hospitality.
• Glastonbury Clean Energy - Investing in renewable energy generation and low carbon transport infrastructure. This project will be delivered in collaboration with Beckery Village businesses, community organisations and landowners.
• The Robert Richards Initiative - Named after and dedicated to the first Chair of the Glastonbury Town Deal Board, the Robert Richards Initiative is focused on sustainability, bringing together the recurring Town Deal themes of education and training, green infrastructure and wellbeing. Key elements include an innovative website and learning platform; additional sustainability solutions for three buildings set to be refurbished through the Glastonbury Town Deal; and enhanced green infrastructure within the town.
• St Brigid’s Chapel and Field - Creating a gateway to the understanding of the Pagan and Christian histories of the town. This new, year-round, educational visitor destination, will protect, interpret and make accessible the rich heritage and natural environment of some 33 acres.
• Glastonbury Food and Regenerative Farming Centre - A community-led, educational research centre to demonstrate natural methods for growing food, land management and to promote a holistic approach to wellbeing for land, human and animal symbiosis. It will be a place for all age groups to grow together, whilst skill sharing, immersed in nature.
• An Enabling Project - In order to renovate the buildings within the Beckery Village, there are enabling works that are crucial for the whole regeneration of Glastonbury. The purpose of this project is to sustainably improve the situation for the non-bricks and mortar communities.
• St Dunstan’s House Community Health and Wellbeing Centre - The new health and wellbeing centre will be created in St Dunstan’s House next to the Town Hall. It will provide Covid-safe spaces for the community where people and groups can take part in activities and gatherings, access health services, and seek business and employment advice.
• Glastonbury Abbey Piazza - This project will enhance the visitor approach and welcome to the Abbey. It includes upgraded facilities, retail and reception areas. The creation of a new public space for the town will improve connectivity with the town centre, benefitting the local economy.
• Glastonbury Community Sports and Leisure Hub - Revitalising a tired facility into a modern multi-use sports and leisure hub in the heart of the town. The aim is to meet the needs and expectations of users by offering opportunities for sports, training, education, health & wellbeing support, and a place for people of all ages to meet and socialise.
For further information visit glastonburytowndeal.co.uk