A new health and well-being hub will be created in Glastonbury town centre as part of a multi-million-pound regeneration programme.

Glastonbury was one of 101 towns across the UK – and one of only two in Somerset – which has received funding from the government’s towns fund, with £23.6m being provided for projects designed to enhance the town centre and improve the town’s fortunes.

Glastonbury Town Council has now put forward to transform St. Dunstan’s House on Magdalene Street into a new hub for the wider community.

Mendip District Council is expected to make a ruling on the proposals before the spring.

St Dunstan’s House lies on the eastern side of Magdalene Street, between the town hall and St Dunstan’s car park, and currently houses the town’s tourist information centre.

Under the proposals, an atrium will be constructed to link the building with the town hall, with internal renovations being carried out to allow different groups to make the best use of the space.

The existing building will also be extended, with six car parking spaces being lost in the process.

A spokesman for Mott Macdonald (representing the town council) said: “The proposed development at St Dunstan’s House aims to address the lack of quality secure space, evident in the light of the covid pandemic, for community groups, and the need to provide space in the town centre for signposting for skills, careers, jobs and business support.

“It will enable access to advice and services in the town centre which will improve health and well-being, enable the growth of businesses and increase understanding of learning and social opportunities.

“In addition, it will support future preservation of a listed building within the town.

“The extension of St Dunstan’s House and the connection to the Town Hall through the creation of the atrium will not only create a space for the community, but will also create a new connection between public buildings and enhance the view from Magdalene Street with the introduction of a contemporary and considered link building.”

The St. Dunstan’s proposals are the fourth deal project which has come forward for planning approval after the business cases were approved by central government in September.

Two of the three other plans – the revamping of the Baily’s Buildings on Beckery Old Road and improvements to Glastonbury Abbey – are currently out for public consultation, with decisions on both plans expected early in the new year.

The fate of the fourth plans – the creation of a community sports and leisure hub on the Tor Leisure site off the A361 Street Road – will be determined by the district council’s planning board when it meets in Shepton Mallet on December 14.

The district council is expected to make a ruling on the St Dunstan’s proposals before late-March; after this date, decisions on this and future town deal planning applications will be taken by the new unitary Somerset Council.

For more information on the Glastonbury town deal, visit www.glastonburytowndeal.co.uk .