Work to transform two derelict factory buildings in Glastonbury is expected to start later this month.
Under the plans, the Grade II Listed Baily's buildings are set to be turned into a new office hub, studios and workspace for small businesses. There will also be a café and workshop spaces for the local community.
Planning consent for the redevelopment of the Baily’s tannery and glove factory, including its famous chimney, was secured in April last year, with a bat licence granted in July 2024.
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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.
The renovation of Building West is set to begin later in February. 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 next year.
Dr Lynne Sedgmore, chair of the Glastonbury Town Deal Board, said: “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 built 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 being working to conserve, reuse and regenerate the historic structures, transforming the derelict buildings into a vibrant space for local businesses, educational groups and community activities, while celebrating Glastonbury's industrial past.
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Ian Tucker, chair of BIRT, said: “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.”
Funded by the 海角视频 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.
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