The long-awaited renovation of the historic Baily’s Buildings in Glastonbury will move up a gear this month as the completion of enabling works at the derelict industrial site means the construction phase is now set to begin.
The two Grade II listed factory buildings will be conserved and regenerated to create a vibrant hub of offices, studios and workspaces for small and growing businesses, along with a café and workshop spaces for the local community.
Sustainability and heritage are at the heart of this redevelopment which will incorporate net-zero construction, clever design and energy-efficient technologies, along with a focus on retaining as much of the buildings’ architectural integrity and character as possible. By upgrading the building fabric, using fossil fuel-free heating solutions and efficient building services, the project aims to demonstrate how heritage conservation and sustainability can work hand in hand.
Planning consent for the redevelopment of the Baily’s tannery and glove factory, including its iconic chimney, was secured in April 2024, with a bat licence granted in July 2024. Since then, a programme of enabling works has been undertaken behind the scenes, including the establishment of temporary bat roosts, emergency repair works to the chimney, asbestos removal works and the installation of supports to stabilise the existing structures.
Now the main construction works are expected to begin in mid-to-late February 2025, with the renovation of Building West being progressed first. This phase of work is being funded by a £6.3m grant from the Glastonbury Town Deal and will be completed by the end of March 2026.
These important heritage buildings were granted to the Beckery Island Regeneration Trust (BIRT) in 2011 and the aim is to bring them back into use for the local community.
Ian Tucker, Chair of BIRT, says: “The regeneration of the Morland’s and Baily’s tanneries and factories is something this community has been working towards for more than 20 years. Now that transformation is finally happening. Over the coming weeks, people in the town will see scaffolding going up and construction works getting underway as our vision for a vibrant, sustainable hub of business, creativity and learning moves closer to becoming a reality. This is such an exciting time as we start to see real progress being made towards bringing these historic industrial buildings back into use for the benefit of the local community, creating employment, growth and new opportunities for Glastonbury.”
Dr Lynne Sedgmore CBE, Chair of the Glastonbury Town Deal Board, says: “We celebrate this flagship renovation as one of several examples of the transformation that this funding is delivering for the local community and our local economy. The synergy of the different Glastonbury Town Deal projects, as well as their individual contribution, is powerful testament to the hard work taking place and the many benefits being brought to our town.”
Originally constructed in the 19th century as a tannery, sheepskin, rug and glove manufactory, the site evolved in the 20th century to produce sporting goods. Famous boxers such as Henry Cooper, Muhammad Ali and Floyd Patterson are all known to have worn Baily’s boxing gloves, with both Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) and Henry Cooper wearing them during their famous fight in 1963.
After the factories ceased operations in the 1980s, the buildings fell into disrepair. Since 2011, the Beckery Island Regeneration Trust (BIRT) has taken on the mission to conserve, reuse and regenerate these historic structures, transforming the derelict buildings into a vibrant space for local businesses, educational groups and community activities, while celebrating Glastonbury’s industrial past.
Funded by the UK Government as part of the Towns Fund programme, the Glastonbury Town Deal is bringing £23.6m of investment into Glastonbury, representing a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the town. The purpose of the funding is to help towns increase economic growth, including a focus on regeneration, skills and enterprise infrastructure, connectivity and culture.
