Glastonbury’s much-anticipated Town Investment Plan (TIP) has been submitted to Government and published.
The TIP was developed by the Glastonbury Town Fund Board through engagement with key partners, businesses, community groups and Glastonbury residents.
Designed to transform the economy of the town, the Plan features 12 priority projects for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to consider.
If the Plan’s contents convince Government to invest in the popular Somerset town, then up to £24.5 million of capital funding could be released over the next five years once full Business Cases have been developed.
Glastonbury has already received £500k in advance of this process which has been allocated to five smaller projects in the town.
The funding outcome should be known by early summer, when the Government’s ‘Heads of Terms’ will be received. This will give the Board permission to confirm the projects going forward, so full Business Cases can be developed.
Leader of Mendip District Council, Cllr Ros Wyke, said: “The many voices, wide ranging views, and local expertise captured in the Town Investment Plan have given us the best chance to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime funding opportunity for Glastonbury.
“The Plan showcases confident, considered proposals for renewed infrastructure, green energy, business development and higher skill levels. It’s place-led and proud.
“The need to secure investment, to sustain the local economy and address our urgent climate change issues, has never been more apparent in light of the global pandemic. The vision, innovation and ambition expressed in its pages will surely see this historic Somerset town thrive to become an exemplar for a fairer, greener and stronger future.”
In September 2019, Glastonbury was chosen as one of 101 towns in the UK to receive up to £25 million Government investment funding. The aim of the £3.6 billion Town Fund was to ‘level up’ all parts of the country, by regenerating town centres to boost businesses, improve infrastructure, encourage enterprise and bring communities together.
With Mendip District Council appointed lead authority, a Glastonbury Town Fund Board was formed in January 2020 to help shape the vision for the town and advise on the way forward. All activities in relation to Glastonbury’s TIP are overseen by the Board.
Mayor of Glastonbury, Cllr Jon Cousins, said: “All involved with the production of this Town Investment Plan have truly embodied the Spirit of Glastonbury, by working in a collaborative and transparent manner.
“Glastonbury has long been in need of the kind investment that the Towns Fund represents, and this situation has only been exacerbated by more recent issues arising from Covid-19 and Climate Change.”
Chair of Glastonbury Town Fund Board, Robert Richards, said: “We have listened carefully to the thoughts of Glastonians, investigated needs through robust analysis and pulled all these together into a coherent whole.
“These new projects and places will provide opportunities for businesses, strengthen the skills offer and reduce deprivation, especially for young people.”
The Chair added: “The Board wants to leave a legacy, not just in terms of the new places but also through ongoing sources of income (from rent and power generation) for future projects that will benefit all in Glastonbury.
“Glastonbury is already an inspirational place for many, and we are committed to ensuring that inspiration is also part of its future.”
Cllr Ros Wyke concluded: “Mendip District Council fully supports the growth and investment plan for Glastonbury and congratulates all those who contributed. It offers such excitement and hope, and I am genuinely looking forward to seeing the projects come to life in the coming months and years ahead.”
Read the newly published TIP here: www.mendip.gov.uk/towninvestmentplan
For further information, visit: www.mendip.gov.uk/glastotowndeal