The Baily’s Buildings, a historic factory site in Glastonbury, has been meticulously restored and officially reopened as a modern hub for local enterprises.
Situated on Beckery Old Road, the site was one of the town’s main employers until its closure in the 1980s. Initially operating as a tannery, glove, and rug manufacturer during the 1800s, the buildings later shifted focus to producing sporting goods, including boxing gloves worn by notable athletes such as Henry Cooper, Muhammad Ali, and Floyd Patterson.
The Beckery Island Regeneration Trust (BIRT), responsible for overseeing the two buildings, has collaborated with Beard Construction and the Dowlas Property Group for over three years. Their combined efforts, supported by approximately £7 million in central government funding through the Glastonbury town deal, have transformed the western building into bespoke business units.
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The first phase of this revitalised facility was officially opened on Saturday, 18 July, with tenants expected to move in within weeks. BIRT trustee Ian Tucker, who served on Glastonbury Town Council for 50 years between 1972 and 2022, addressed more than 100 local residents and dignitaries at the launch event. He reflected on the site’s significance, noting that it was around 100 years ago when Sir Hubert Parry was inspired by the smoke from a nearby chimney on Wearyall Hill to compose the music to William Blake’s poem “Jerusalem,” now known as “The Glastonbury Song.”
“It’s 100 years since, it is said, that Sir Hubert Parry was stood up on Wearyall Hill and was inspired, having seen the smoke belching out of the nearby chimney, to put the music to William Blake’s poem ‘Jerusalem’ – hence why it is called ‘The Glastonbury Song’.”
The launch featured stirring renditions of “Jerusalem” performed by the Glastonbury Brass Band alongside several local choirs. Reverend Alice Watson, vicar of St. John’s Church in Glastonbury, then formally blessed the building.
Glastonbury mayor Zoe Prince expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “It’s a great pleasure to be here with you all today for the opening of this wonderful, regenerated building. This is a project that celebrates both our heritage and our future. I am delighted to see this building given a new lease of life; may it serve our community well for many years to come.”
The two buildings are now separated by the newly renamed Millstream Square, which follows Beckery Old Road but is closed to motorised traffic. The completed western building offers office and employment spaces spanning four storeys, a secure car park, and an electric vehicle charging hub.
Preserving the building’s historic features has been a priority throughout the renovation, retaining much of the original brickwork and windows. Modern amenities include full accessibility with a new lift, high-quality heating and air conditioning, and high-speed broadband.
Dowlas project manager Matt Tyler remarked, “It’s amazing to be able to see this work finished – it’s phenomenal. We currently have tenants on the first and second floors, with around 50 staff, and they have taken space on the third floor as well. The ground floor is still available, and we’ve had a lot of interest. We want that space to be used for manufacturing, bringing some industry back to Glastonbury.”
To maximise impact, the refurbishment has been phased to allow parts of the building to be let as they are completed, generating rental income to support further works. Future plans include additional toilets on the ground floor, a café, and flexible office or workspace.
Mr Tyler added, “We’re starting to work on the next phases – although securing further funding is crucial. We’re submitting many applications and aim to complete the building as a space for everyone. We want strong community and business support because this is an asset for the whole town, regenerating this part of Glastonbury for the benefit of all.”
BIRT is currently in the running for grants from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to advance later stages of the project, with trustee expectations of progressing to the second round announcement due on 8 August.
Somerset Council deputy leader Liz Leyshon, representing the nearby Street division, praised the restoration and pledged the council’s support. She recalled, “This building is one I remember well from my children’s time, when this area was the industrial heart of Glastonbury. They’ve done a beautiful job; this quality of restoration makes it better than it ever was.”
She highlighted the project’s scale, saying, “This is the biggest of the town deal projects, and it’s the one where most people will come in to work. I can’t wait to see it back in full use. We know there’s more work to do to complete the rooms and link up different parts of the building to create more lettable space – that’s our next stage.”