Glastonbury’s St Dunstan's House revamp just got a major £500k funding boost
Significant progress is taking place on the ongoing redevelopment of the Town Hall and St Dunstan's House, with updates on construction, funding, and future plans.
Town clerk Conor Ogilvie-Davidson provided an update on the construction works, explaining that: "The contractors are beginning to make the entrances from what will be the new atrium space into the main hall. So that's why the main hall is not being used this month; we are creating two new doorways."
He noted that the contractors are making steady progress despite some delays in the overall schedule.
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Mr Ogilvie-Davidson highlighted the removal of two large cast-iron radiators, calling it a "very, very positive" achievement with minimal complications. He also detailed ongoing drainage works between the Town Hall and St Dunstan's House, explaining that this phase would be integral to the new atrium.
"The extension at the back of St Dunstan's House to provide the Changing Places toilet – the inside is not fitted out, but the outside is pretty much complete. Works inside continue to go very well," he added.
A central point of discussion was the significant financial boost the project has received. "We received an offer of £500,000 from the Government's Community Ownership Fund towards the project's capital cost. That's £500,000 less that we'll have to potentially borrow," Mr Ogilvie-Davidson announced.
Additionally, he confirmed that the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government had accepted the council's loan application. "Because we received more grant funding since we applied for that loan to make up the shortfall, the offer letter was slightly reduced from our application because one of their duties is to encourage parishes to only borrow what they actually need. But that offer letter came through today, so it's valid for one year, and we can draw down money that we need in tranches."
The council has been authorised to borrow up to £760,000, but that amount will be significantly reduced thanks to the £550,000 raised through grants and charitable donations. Mr Ogilvie-Davidson also noted that further grant applications were in progress, including a potential £50,000 grant from a charitable organisation supporting mental health projects.
Councillor Jon Cousins expressed his appreciation for the Town Clerk's efforts: "I think we should formally minister a vote of thanks to the town clerk for raising half a million pounds for the town council."
The redevelopment is part of the Glastonbury Town Deal initiative, aimed at enhancing services and facilities across the town. With a total of £2.2 million in funding secured, the project will not only restore the historic St Dunstan's House but also create a new atrium at Glastonbury Town Hall.
The development is expected to serve as a hub for community activities, providing fitness and rehabilitation spaces, mental health support services, and social events to foster social cohesion and combat isolation.
Mr Ogilvie-Davidson encouraged residents to stay informed on the project's progress, saying: "Keep an eye out for the public updates with pictures that I post when I give an update on progress on site."