Glastonbury is making strides with its regeneration projects, backed by a £23.6 million investment from the UK government’s towns fund. As one of just two Somerset towns awarded this funding, initially allocated to 11 projects and now scaled to ten due to construction inflation, Glastonbury is well on its way to revitalizing key areas despite some setbacks.
One major challenge arose with the Red Brick Building revamp on A39 Street Road, where Somerset Council has ceased funding following a critical audit uncovering mismanagement. This prompted the resignation of Dr. Lynne Sedgmore, chair of the Glastonbury town deal board. However, the remaining nine projects are moving forward confidently, with many already completed or nearing completion.
The health and well-being hub, positioned between St. Dunstan’s House and the Town Hall, will offer community-focused services, including fitness and mental health support. After delays from essential roof repairs, it is anticipated to open in September, supported by a £500,000 community ownership fund grant and a loan from the town council.
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The Abbey Yard project has transformed the space between the gatehouse and abbey grounds, improving accessibility and visitor experience. Refurbishments include extending the shop and café, upgrading the museum, and installing accessible toilets. This area welcomed visitors just before Easter.
The Tor Leisure Centre has been extended and modernized into a ‘centre of excellence’ for local sports — featuring gym facilities, accessible changing rooms, treatment rooms, and a social area with a bar. This project, completed first among the town deal initiatives, opened to the public in March.
The ‘Green Loop’ initiative, named to honor the first board chair, focuses on new walking and cycling paths around Glastonbury, enhancing leisure, exercise, and commuting options. Paths near Tor Sports and Leisure were completed in January 2024, with further improvements, including the Willow Walk resurfacing and additional paths near St Brigid’s Chapel, planned for autumn.
The restoration of Bailey’s Buildings on Beckery Old Road seeks to repurpose a historic industrial site into affordable workspaces for local businesses. Since receiving planning permission in December 2023, structural stabilisation has been carried out, and office space construction is underway. The Beckery Island Regeneration Trust continues to pursue additional funding to support future phases.
A partnership between Somerset Council and Avalon Community Energy is delivering solar panel installations to power local businesses sustainably. Two rooftop solar arrays are operational, with plans for more on public buildings and a solar farm north of Porchestall Drove progressing, including securing a grid connection from National Grid.
The Glastonbury Roundhouse Heritage Centre, planned around some of Britain’s earliest monastic remains, will feature a visitors’ centre and interpretative information. Permission granted in July 2024 has set the project in motion, with access improvements scheduled before year-end.
A community-led agroecological farm between Sydenham Timber Centre and Bride’s Mount aims to provide local food education and opportunities. Planning approval in October 2023 has facilitated progress, including establishing a tree nursery and opening the farm for learning visits.
Finally, the initiative for off-road living spaces to support the non-bricks-and-mortar community faced setbacks due to flooding at the original Porchestall Drove site. A new location was acquired but then experienced legal challenges due to an incursion. Plans are now underway to submit new applications, with other sites under consideration to fulfill this important community need.
Despite setbacks, Glastonbury’s regeneration efforts continue steadily, promising a revitalized town centre and enriched community experiences.