Glastonbury Town Deal project kicks off construction

The Tor Sports and Leisure Hub, Glastonbury Abbey, St Dunstan’s House and Bridie’s Farm have all seen construction work undertaken.

Work is also set to begin soon at the largest project, Baily's Buildings.

Glastonbury successfully bid for a £23.6 million grant from the government's Towns Fund in September 2022.

This ambitious programme involves ten community-based projects, all of which focus on sustainability and regeneration efforts.

Work in progress at Glastonbury Abbey. (Image: Somerset Council)

One such project which is quickly progressing is the Glastonbury Abbey piazza.

Due for completion later this year, the project will considerably enhance the primary entrance.

Janet Bell MBE, Glastonbury Abbey director, said: "The Town Deal Project has provided a wonderful opportunity to develop our visitor entrance into one that truly reflects the abbey’s historical, archaeological and spiritual significance.

"While the current facilities will be refurbished and expanded, the surrounding entrance area will be opened up into a community space complete with sympathetic landscaping, informative displays and free access to St Patrick’s Chapel.

"The site has come a long way since building contractor Qube began work on the project in March, and it has been very exciting to watch the entrance’s transformation take shape."

(Left to right): Project lead Bon Everson and project deputy Marie-Claire Henon at Bridie's Farm (Image: Somerset Council)

Work is also advancing at Bridie's Farm, which will host the Glastonbury Food and Regenerative Farming Centre.

Project deputy of the Glastonbury Food and Regenerative Farming Centre, Marie-Claire Henon, said: "Now into our second year on the land at Bridie's Farm, work is well underway to put down the roots of Glastonbury Food and Regenerative Farming Centre.

"Including an official change of use for the organic site, to extend from purely agricultural, and encompass educational usage too, we have the go-ahead to develop the space for exploring our connection with food and nature locally in this wonderful setting."

Dr Lynne Sedgmore CBE, chair of the Glastonbury Town Deal Board, said: "I want to thank everyone who is giving their time, skills and support to the delivery and success of all the different projects.

"This is a very exciting time with much to celebrate."

Discussing the project's challenges, Cllr Ros Wyke, lead member for economic development, planning and assets at Somerset Council, said: "So much work has gone into getting our projects to this stage and I’m delighted that our residents, visitors and businesses are starting to see tangible progress.

"Inevitably programmes of this size and complexity encounter challenges along the way and our Town Deal is no different.

"The costs of construction have risen considerably since the successful submission of the Town Investment Plan, and that has impacted Town Investment Plans all over the country.

"As has already been reported, building work on one of our projects, The Life Factory, to restore Building C of the Red Brick Building, has been paused at present while a thorough and independent audit is carried out.

"Somerset Council, as the accountable body, needs to be assured that the governance and financial management is appropriate for the project."

All projects are due for completion by the end of March 2026.

For more details on the program, visit www.glastonburytowndeal.co.uk.