Somerset Council has announced significant revisions to its £20 million regeneration project aimed at revitalising the historic Tonedale Mill and adjacent Tone Works sites in Wellington. Initially funded through the government’s levelling up fund in November 2023, the ambitious scheme has encountered unexpected challenges that have rendered the original plans unfeasible.
Lara Bell, the council’s place-based innovation and regeneration lead, outlined in a recent report that extensive deterioration, widespread asbestos contamination, and rising costs at Tonedale Mill have created substantial financial and logistical obstacles. “It is no longer viable to proceed with the Tonedale Mill project as originally planned,” Bell stated, highlighting the increased long-term risks involved.
Conversely, Tone Works, which the council fully owns, has benefited from ongoing repair work that has clarified the site’s condition and potential for redevelopment. These repairs include roof replacements, solar panel installations, timber beam restoration, and structural improvements to the old boiler house. These efforts are supported by a £3.8 million commitment made in August 2025.
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Given the urgent government deadline to allocate and spend the levelling up funds by March 2027 and complete works by April 2028, the council has decided to concentrate resources on advancing the Tone Works site. This approach aims to maximise progress toward reopening one of the sites for public benefit while avoiding the risk of returning unspent funds to the Treasury.
The two locations are steeped in history: the Grade II listed Tonedale Mill was a thriving wool textile factory from the 1750s until its closure in 2000, featuring a rare collection of dyeing and finishing machinery reflecting its industrial heritage. The Tone Works site, acquired by the former Somerset West and Taunton Council in 2020, has since undergone phased improvements supported by levelling up and Historic England funding.
Despite some successful roof repairs at Tonedale Mill, ongoing asbestos removal is a critical prerequisite before further protective work can continue. Meanwhile, the council is actively preparing a comprehensive business plan for the long-term redevelopment of Tone Works. This plan, shaped by input from over 130 local residents during recent public consultations, will be reviewed by the council’s scrutiny committee later this summer.
To date, £16.3 million of levelling up funds was originally designated for Tonedale Mill, while £3.67 million targeted Tone Works repairs. The council has now approved an additional allocation of nearly £4.7 million to ensure essential safety and stabilization work at Tone Works, with future funding distribution decisions pending.
Somerset Council is also negotiating a £389,000 contribution from Mancraft Ltd., the current owners of Tonedale Mill, to cover urgent repairs made to the complex following formal notices.
As the council recalibrates its regeneration strategy, the focus remains firmly on protecting these historic sites and creating sustainable opportunities for their future use, while navigating the complexities of preservation, funding deadlines, and community expectations.