Plans to advance transformative infrastructure and renovation projects in Glastonbury have been given the go-ahead as the town moved a step closer to unlocking a £23.6m boost to its local economy.
Glastonbury is one of 101 towns across the country which will receive investment as part of the government’s Town Deal Fund scheme, which seeks to help create jobs and boost regional recovery after the pandemic.
Among the 12 projects freshly approved by officials are renovation of the entrance to the historic Glastonbury Abbey, to boost the town’s cultural and tourism offering.
The establishment of a new sports and leisure facility and an enterprise and innovation centre as well as improvement to transport links are also planned.
Members of the Glastonbury Town Deal Board voted unanimously to progress all of the proposals, after deciding on how to address a £900,000 shortfall in funding.
The board had originally applied for £24.5m to fund the projects, but in June received a £23.6m share of more than £700m pot distributed by the government to 30 towns in England.
The award for Glastonbury, which is the highest in the South West region and one the highest per capita in the country, was in line with those around the country, in that few received the full allocation of funding.
The board discussed a range of options before agreeing on applying a 3.6% funding reduction to each of the 12 projects so that nothing was cut from its original town investment plan.
Glastonbury Town Deal Board and Mendip District Council will now need to confirm its intentions to the government and submit additional financial and monitoring and evaluation information by the end of the month.
The 12 projects featured in Glastonbury’s town investment plan are:
Regeneration of the Baily’s Buildings Establishment of an Enterprise and Innovation Centre in Beckery House Completion of the work on Building C Glastonbury Clean Energy Establishment of Glastonbury Environment Centre Renovation of St Brigid’s Chapel and Field Delivery of a Food and Regenerative Farming Centre Transport and Travel An enabling Project Regeneration of St Dunstan’s House Renovation of the entrance to Glastonbury Abbey Establishment of a new Sports and Leisure FacilityLike this story? Why not sign up to get the latest South West business news straight to your inbox.
A five-stage business case will need to be developed for each of the projects, as well as an overarching business case for the whole programme.
This work will be undertaken over the coming months, with all business cases needed to be submitted to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government by June 2022.
Chair of the Glastonbury Town Deal Board Robert Richards thanked the project’s leaders and delivery team as well as his fellow board members for a “huge amount of work.”
Mr Richards said: “This project will provide tangible opportunities for local businesses, improved resources for the local community, and a real legacy for the town that will benefit Glastonbury and its residents long into the future.”
Commenting on last week’s vote, mayor of Glastonbury, councillor Jon Cousins, said: “This decision was another important milestone for Glastonbury.
“I’m pleased that the board agreed to progress all 12 projects. There are elements within the Town Investment Plan that benefit different parts of our community and, with regeneration and sustainability at the very heart of the plan, it is only right that all of our ambitions for the town are realised, albeit with nominal budget cuts.
“With a collaborative approach, I’m sure we can find ways to consolidate some costs and requirements to ensure that Glastonbury still gains maximum benefits from the funding.”
Leader of Mendip District Council, councillor Ros Wyke, added: “Glastonbury is a major visitor destination as well as a very special place to live and work.
“The twelve projects in development will bring together infrastructure and services to enable greater prosperity. They are exactly what the people of this unique town deserve.”
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