Major Glastonbury Regeneration Project Lands Anchor Tenant, Creating Local Jobs
A significant £6.3 million regeneration scheme in Glastonbury has achieved a crucial milestone by securing an anchor tenant for the historic Baily's Buildings, generating at least 15 new local employment opportunities.
Historic Site Transformation
The Grade II Listed Baily's Buildings, located on Beckery Old Road, were once one of Glastonbury's principal employers before closing in the 1980s. Originally operating as a tannery, glove and rug manufacturer during the 1800s, the site later gained fame for producing sporting equipment, including boxing gloves worn by legendary fighters Henry Cooper, Muhammad Ali and Floyd Patterson.
The western structure is currently being converted into purpose-built commercial units through funding from the government-backed Glastonbury town deal, with the initial phase of this vital work expected to complete in July.
Anchor Tenant Confirmed
An anchor tenant, whose identity remains confidential, has now been confirmed and will occupy 60 percent of the completed space later this year. The business will consolidate several of its current offices to establish a company headquarters featuring training facilities, with approximately 35 full-time positions relocating to the site alongside the creation of 15 new roles.
Regeneration Trust Stewardship
The derelict grade two listed structures came under the stewardship of the Beckery Island Regeneration Trust (BIRT) in 2011. The organisation has been working to "create a vibrant, multi-functional space" for local enterprises, educational organisations and community initiatives that could catalyse broader regeneration across the surrounding area.
BIRT chairman Ian Tucker stated: "Securing an anchor tenant for the phase one 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."
Conservation and Sustainability Focus
Recent months have seen significant progress with a new lift shaft and stair core installed to enhance accessibility and ensure the buildings meet contemporary requirements. The cast iron windows have been fully restored, and the roofs have been stabilised and rendered watertight.
Bat lofts and early planting initiatives on and around the location have provided a substantial boost to biodiversity, with construction work striving to preserve as much of the original buildings' character and architectural integrity as possible. Over 30 tonnes of difficult-to-recycle waste has already been diverted from landfill or incineration through recycling partnerships, highlighting the project's net-zero and environmental commitments.
Local Economic Benefits
The construction programme has prioritised using local labour and materials wherever feasible, with £2.2 million worth of contracts awarded to firms within 30 miles of the site. This approach has helped minimise carbon emissions while fostering a sense of local ownership and community pride in the scheme.
Councillor Mike Rigby, portfolio holder for economic development, planning and assets, commented: "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."
Political Support and Future Vision
Sarah Dyke, the Liberal Democrat MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, expressed her support: "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."
She added: "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."
Work on Baily's Buildings is progressing in stages, enabling each individual unit to be extensively marketed as construction advances. As each new section is completed and let, rental income can be reinvested into the development, creating a sustainable model for ongoing regeneration.
Paul Manning from the Beckery Island Regeneration Trust emphasised: "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."
