Glastonbury

The Glastonbury Town Deal has secured £23.6 million investment for the town, representing a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver the objectives outlined in the Town Investment Plan

Glastonbury Abbey Piazza

Lead Organisation: Glastonbury Abbey

Enhancing the entrance and main visitor experience. This will improve indoor and outdoor facilities for visitors and open up the connection with the town centre, benefiting the local economy.

Funding

  • Towns Fund:  £0.91m
  • Co-Funding:  £0.5m

Outcomes

  • Provision of high quality indoor & outdoor visitor facilities
  • More people visiting Abbey space
  • Abbey is more financially viable and additional income generated for town centre businesses
Photo showing the current entrance to Glastonbury Abbey

Key Project Themes

  • Enhance Culture and Branding
  • Improve Health and Wellbeing

Rationale

  • Provide high quality indoor & outdoor facilities for visitors.
  • Addresses the lack of visibility of the Abbey and improve connectivity with the town centre.
  • Recognises the need for COVID-secure space where people can meet or exercise, enhancing wellbeing.

Project Summary

Located in the heart of the town, Glastonbury Abbey receives visitors from across the globe, yet its entrance is tucked away and somewhat underwhelming.

This project will significantly enhance the main entrance approaches and visitor reception facilities, improving its visibility, accessibility and physical connection to the town. This in turn will boost the town’s cultural strengths and provide wider economic and social benefits.

Plans are an attractive open piazza space and improved facilities including a new ticket office, toilets and shop/café.

And it’s not just visitors to the Abbey who will benefit, as the piazza will provide a public meeting space that everyone will be able to appreciate and enjoy.

 

Click here to view the planning application details and documents.

 

Project FAQS

When will your project start & finish?
Works on-site have already started and will be completed Autumn 2024.

Will the abbey be closed whilst work is going on?
No, we have temporarily relocated the entrance to further along Magdalene Street.  During works, the abbey grounds and ruins will remain open. We are hoping to keep the museum open to visitors for most of the duration of the project.

How is the town going to benefit from your project?
This project will provide a new, attractive open space and free access to St Patrick’s Chapel and courtyard during abbey opening times.  Once works are complete, we will be providing a programme of events for the piazza and wider site.  Overall, we are improving Glastonbury’s cultural and heritage offer and expect more visitors as a result, which will also benefit local businesses.