The renovation of the Baily’s Buildings in Glastonbury has taken another positive step forward, with an anchor tenant now secured for this ambitious redevelopment project.
The agreement will see the new tenant (as yet unnamed) take 60% of the Phase 1 renovation of the West Building, which is due to complete in July this year. They will bring together several existing offices to create a company headquarters with training facilities, with around 35 full-time jobs moving to the site this year and plans to expand the workforce to 50 people.
The Grade II listed Baily’s Buildings, which fell into disrepair in the 1980s after the Baily’s tannery and glove factory ceased operations, are currently being redeveloped with support from Glastonbury Town Deal funding. The derelict buildings were granted to the Beckery Island Regeneration Trust (BIRT) in 2011 and their renovation aims to create a vibrant, multi-functional space for local businesses, educational groups and community activities, becoming a catalyst for wider social and economic regeneration in the area.
Significant progress has been made on site in recent months, with a new lift shaft and stair core installed to improve accessibility and future-proof the buildings for modern use. The project team has completed full restoration of the cast iron windows and carried out extensive reroofing works across the West Building complex, stabilising the structures and ensuring they are weather-tight for the long term. Specialist ecological measures, including the installation of bat lofts and early planting schemes, mean the project has already exceeded its ecological ambitions for this phase while enhancing local biodiversity.
The historic restoration is being done sensitively and sustainably, incorporating net-zero construction, clever design and energy-efficient technologies, while retaining as much of the buildings’ architectural integrity and character as possible.
From an environmental perspective, over 30 tonnes of hard-to-recycle waste have already been diverted from landfill or incineration via recycling partnerships, reinforcing the project’s net-zero and ecological commitments.
The project is also delivering strong social and economic value for the area. A local procurement strategy has been successfully implemented throughout the construction and design phases, with £2.2m in contracts awarded to subcontractors within 30 miles of the site during Phase 1 of the renovation, supporting local economic growth, employment opportunities and reduced carbon emissions from travel, as well as fostering a sense of local ownership and pride in the project.
Ian Tucker, Chair of BIRT, said: “Securing an anchor tenant for the Phase 1 renovation, and doing so several months ahead of the July completion, is an exciting milestone. It proves the project’s viability and attractiveness, as well as endorsing the need and model for future phases, with planning permission already in place to restore the whole complex of buildings.
“By bringing employment, education, history and community together, this project aims to put Glastonbury’s industrial heritage back at the heart of the local community. Through sensitive conservation, sustainable design and a strong focus on local benefit, the Baily’s Buildings are being brought back into productive use as a relevant and resilient asset for the town and for future generations.”
Sarah Dyke, MP for Glastonbury & Somerton, said: “I am pleased to see real progress in securing an anchor tenant for the Baily’s Buildings, which marks an important step forward for this project.
“The restoration of these historic buildings has always been at the heart of the Glastonbury Town Deal, and it is encouraging to see that vision beginning to take shape.
“Bringing these spaces back into use as a hub for local start-ups, small and growing businesses, and as education and workshop spaces, will create new opportunities for our community while honouring the town’s proud industrial heritage.
“I am committed to continuing to support this cornerstone project to thrive, and to keeping a watching brief as it continues to progress.”
Cllr Mike Rigby, Lead Member for Economic Development Planning and Assets at Somerset Council, said: “The Baily’s Buildings were once in the centre of a thriving industry providing a range of skilled jobs. It’s great to see the site coming back into use and an anchor tenant being secured.”
Part-funded by the UK Government as part of the Towns Fund programme, the Baily’s Buildings project was granted £6.3million from the Glastonbury Town Deal for Phase 1 of the renovation and an additional grant of £650,000 from the Robert Richards Initiative towards the cost of delivering sustainable build measures.
The Glastonbury Town Deal investment aims to help towns increase economic growth, including a focus on regeneration, skills and enterprise infrastructure, connectivity and culture.
