Historic Glastonbury Factory Begins Transformation into Business Hub

Work has officially commenced on the redevelopment of the historic Baily’s Buildings in Glastonbury, transforming the former factory into a vibrant hub for small businesses and community activities. The project, led by the South West construction firm Beard, aims to revitalize the Grade II Listed structures owned by The Beckery Island Regeneration Trust.

The redevelopment plan received planning consent in April 2022, allowing for the transformation of the old tannery and glove factory, which includes the site’s iconic chimney. The first phase of the project is being supported by a substantial funding package of £6.3 million from the Glastonbury Town Deal and is anticipated to be completed by next year.

Ian Tucker, chairman of The Beckery Island Regeneration Trust, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “This is a positive moment for the trust and many people who have worked for years to restore the Baily’s Factory. We have always said that this project is about so much more than restoring old buildings, as important as that is. It’s about bringing them back into meaningful use for the community and businesses of today.”

The Baily’s Buildings have a rich history, having operated as a tannery, glove, and rug manufacturer in the 1800s before transitioning to sporting goods. Notably, famous boxers such as Henry Cooper, Muhammad Ali, and Floyd Patterson wore Baily’s boxing gloves, with both Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) and Henry Cooper famously using them during their iconic 1963 fight.

Beard’s regional director Matt Cooper emphasized the importance of the buildings in Glastonbury’s heritage, stating, “It’s a privilege for us to be part of their transformation. Our initial focus is on ensuring the structures are safe and sound, laying a strong foundation for what will become a major asset to the community.” He acknowledged the effort that has gone into advancing the project and expressed pride in supporting the transformation of this iconic space.

In the coming months, Beard will concentrate on restoring the Baily’s West building, a significant part of the overall project. Matt Tyler, director at Dowlas Property Group, which is managing the Baily’s Buildings project, noted that securing Beard as the main contractor marks a major milestone in delivering these long-awaited spaces back to the local community.

The transformation of the Baily’s Buildings is not just a restoration of historic structures, but a promising step toward fostering local entrepreneurship and community engagement in Glastonbury.