Local businesses are being encouraged to register on a new Somerset Supply Chain website to ensure they are first in line to find out about contracts arising from a £23.6 million pot of funding to revitalise Glastonbury.
Glastonbury was one of 101 towns chosen to receive investment through the Government’s Towns Fund scheme as part of its Levelling Up agenda.
Somerset Chamber of Commerce is working in partnership with the Glastonbury Town Deal team within Somerset Council to help match local businesses to work opportunities through the programme and has launched the Somerset Supply Chain website as a single access point for those keen to bid for contracts.
Emma Rawlings, Chief Executive of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, said: “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for local businesses to get involved with a wide range of exciting projects which will bring a massive economic and wellbeing boost to the people of Glastonbury and the wider area.
“By registering on the new Somerset Supply Chain website we can ensure their capabilities are matched to upcoming tenders for work through the town deal funding initiative, making it easier for businesses to win work and for contractors to find firms with the skills they need.”
In total, 11 projects have been approved by Government and are at different stages of the planning and design process.
The projects include the regeneration of Baily’s Buildings, the creation of a Glastonbury Enterprise and Innovation Hub at Beckery House, the regeneration of Red Brick Building C to establish a skills and creative space called The Life Factory, investment in renewable energy generation and the refurbishment of the Sports Hub to name a few of the projects. The Robert Richards Initiative will bring together education and training, green infrastructure and wellbeing through a website and targeted investment.
In addition, a new educational visitor destination will be created at St Brigid’s Chapel and Field, a
Glastonbury Food and Regenerative Farming Centre will be set up, and a new health and wellbeing centre will be created in St Dunstan’s House next to the town hall.
Visitors to the town will also be welcomed with an upgraded Glastonbury Abbey Piazza.
Dr Lynne Sedgmore, Chair of the Glastonbury Town Deal Board, said: “We’re starting to see some real, tangible progress with the Glastonbury Town Deal projects so would encourage businesses to register on the Somerset Supply Chain website to find out how to get involved as a local supplier.
“These are very exciting times for Glastonbury and we’re keen to get as many local businesses involved as possible.”
The Somerset Supply Chain website can be found at www.somersetsupplychain.co.uk while more information about the Glastonbury Town Deal is available at www.glastonburytowndeal.co.uk Alternatively, email somersetsupplychain@somerset-chamber.co.uk.
