The historic Tone Works site in Wellington is poised for a £20 million transformation aimed at turning it into a key destination for the town. Following Somerset Council’s successful bid in November 2023 for nearly £20 million from the levelling up fund, significant regeneration plans are underway for Tone Works and the adjacent Tonedale Mill.
Although initial focus was placed on urgent regeneration projects such as the Firepool site in Taunton, attention is now turning to revitalising this important historic area on Wellington’s northern edge. Community engagement has been strong, with over 130 local residents attending three drop-in sessions held at Eliza House on Fore Street, sharing their visions for the site’s future.
Once the heart of Fox Brothers & Co. Ltd.—one of the South West’s oldest and largest woollen garment manufacturers—Tonedale Mill and Tone Works carry deep historical significance. While wool production has nearly ceased since the 1980s, small businesses continue to operate nearby. Tone Works itself closed in 2000 but already benefited from around £1 million in government funding dedicated to land decontamination and prevention of structural decay.
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Council ownership of Tone Works since 2020 has accelerated redevelopment efforts, complemented by public ownership of surrounding green spaces like Fox’s Field. In contrast, Tonedale Mill remains in private hands. Vanessa Ruhlig, associate and heritage researcher at Thread Architects, highlighted that community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Residents expressed a strong preference for the site to serve community interests through galleries, markets, and spaces for artists and makers, while also enhancing wildlife habitats for local species such as bats, dormice, and otters.
Suggestions from residents include developing creative and cultural spaces that honor the site’s industrial heritage, alongside increasing biodiversity and green spaces. Many attendees recalled personal connections to Tone Works, reflecting its importance in Wellington’s social history. Efforts are underway to collect and preserve these memories before they fade.
The regeneration plan also includes improving access, with proposals for better parking and safer pedestrian routes linking the site to the potential Grand Western Greenway and active travel paths to nearby Milverton village, providing alternatives to busy roadways.
In August 2025, Somerset Council pledged nearly £3.8 million toward repair works at Tone Works, focusing on structural improvements such as roof replacements, installation of solar panels, timber beam restorations, and reconnection to utilities. Most funding stems from the levelling up grant, with additional support from Historic England.
Looking ahead, council approval will be required for any funding shifts between Tonedale Mill and Tone Works. Vanessa Ruhlig sums up the community sentiment: “There is a clear ambition to make Tone Works a vibrant destination for Wellington. With conservation efforts advancing, we’re excited to start bringing the community’s ideas to life, creating a space that celebrates heritage, creativity, and biodiversity.”