Drone footage reveals historic decay of Baily’s Buildings as Glastonbury prepares for ambitious £11.5m revival
New drone footage by YouTuber JustMadnessBoy provides a rare and haunting glimpse into the derelict Baily's Buildings in Glastonbury. These historic structures, established in 1867 and completed by 1896, once formed a bustling tannery and sheepskin manufacturing site but have since fallen into decay.
The video showcases the now-empty halls and weathered exteriors of this Grade II-listed Victorian industrial site. Graffiti-covered walls, broken windows, and overgrown vegetation stand in stark contrast to its vibrant past as a key employer in Glastonbury.
The Baily's Buildings feature remarkable architectural details, including lias stone façades, brick piers, and timber louvres in drying sheds, alongside an iconic square brick chimney that remains a Beckery Island landmark. Originally designed as a tannery with additional facilities for glove production and drying, the complex was expanded multiple times, with later additions including warehouses and workshops.
Plans are now in place to revive this historic site, with Beckery Island Regeneration Trust (BIRT) spearheading a £11.5m transformation into a zero-carbon hub for small businesses, educational groups, and community use. Scheduled to begin in summer 2024, the project will include spaces for start-ups, workshops, and creative enterprises, alongside a café and a small museum celebrating Glastonbury's industrial past.
The redevelopment aims to preserve the historic charm of the site while embracing sustainability. The chimney, a beloved feature, will remain intact, and green energy initiatives such as solar panels and ground-source heat pumps are being explored. The project is also expected to create local jobs and contribute to Glastonbury's economy, with net profits donated back to the community.
Residents and historians alike have long admired the unique features of the Baily's Buildings, from their king- and queen-post roof trusses to original cast-iron window frames and timber floors. The planned regeneration seeks to honour this legacy while securing a dynamic future for the site.
For now, JustMadnessBoy's footage captures the poignant decay of these once-thriving buildings, serving as a reminder of Glastonbury's rich industrial heritage and the exciting possibilities ahead for the Baily's Buildings.
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