The transformation of St Dunstan's House in Glastonbury is gathering pace, promising to create a vital new resource for the community.

Set to open in summer 2025, the St Dunstan's Community Health and Wellbeing Centre is part of Glastonbury's £23.6 million Town Deal investment. Here's everything you need to know about the project, including key details from Conor Ogilvie-Davidson, Town Clerk at Glastonbury Town Council.

What is St Dunstan's House becoming?

The historic building is being restored to serve as a Community Health and Wellbeing Centre, offering health advice, wellbeing services, and community spaces. The project includes a glazed atrium connecting the building to Glastonbury Town Hall, creating a unified, accessible hub.

The centre's purpose is to enhance health and wellbeing in Glastonbury and the surrounding area, while providing a venue for community activities and tailored support for local residents.

83.8% of people who went to open days and events supported the idea of the St. Dunstan's House Community Health & Wellbeing Centre. 16.2% opposed the proposal.

What role does Glastonbury Town Council play?

Glastonbury Town Council is taking a leading role in the project's strategic direction, ensuring it meets the unique needs of the Glastonbury community. Conor Ogilvie-Davidson, Town Clerk at Glastonbury Town Council, is the senior responsible officer for the project, working closely with two key partners:

•    West Mendip Primary Care Network (PCN), which provides healthcare expertise.
•    Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP), which focuses on physical activity and overall wellbeing.

The town council also oversees a wider group of stakeholders, including Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, Young Somerset, Spark Somerset, and the Community Council for Somerset, all of whom contribute expertise to shape the centre's development.

Speaking about the council's role, Conor Ogilvie-Davidson said: "The council's role is to bring a very local perspective to the 'offer' from St Dunstan's House. Ultimately, the town council is in control of the facility's direction, led by our vision for what it should deliver for the community."

6.9% of attendees suggested lifestyle/complementary services.

How has the public been involved?

Public input has been integral to shaping the project. A public consultation on the borrowing of £850,000, required to meet rising costs, showed overwhelming support, with 84% of over 400 respondents in favour.

The town clerk acknowledged that the results of this consultation were not initially made public, as it was a requirement for the Public Works Loan Board process rather than a local disclosure. However, Conor Ogilvie-Davidson has pledged to share more details as the partnership analyses the feedback further.

"We were also given lots of qualitative data about services and activities that people would like to see at St Dunstan's House," he explained. "This feedback has been fed into the working group and will help shape services ready for when the building opens."

Open days, public forums, and surveys have also been used to gather ideas from residents and these have been held in various formats and venues since 2020 with plans for more to come.

9.7% of attendees want support groups like asthma or diabetes support.

(Photo: GTC)

Why was the loan necessary?

Although the Town Deal grant initially allocated £1.35 million to the project, but the project was always forecast to cost over £2million with inflationary pressures since the project was scoped in 202 adding to the funding gap. Additional funding has since been secured, bringing the grant to just under £1.6 million, but a gap remains which is being closed by securing local and national grants, as well as suing the loan as a back-up.

To bridge the gap, Glastonbury Town Council is seeking to secure an £850,000 loan which it hopes it will not have to draw-down in full. A public consultation showed overwhelming support for this borrowing, with 84% of respondents in favour of continuing with the project even when it requires a loan.

Conor Ogilvie-Davidson clarified that Town Deal funding was never intended to cover full project costs: "It was clear from the start that the Towns Fund only part-funded projects, as Glastonbury was not awarded the full £25m it requested. However, we did receive the highest award per capita in the country."

The council has worked hard to secure additional funding and is awaiting confirmation of a grant that will further close the funding gap. "We are raising grant funding to meet this shortfall, and I am waiting to announce some good news shortly," Conor Ogilvie-Davidson said.

11.2% of attendees focused on youth services (e.g., youth club, boxing, storytelling).

What will the centre offer?

The centre aims to provide a balance of services to benefit all sectors of the community. Plans include:

•    Health services, supported by the Primary Care Network working closely with the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.
•    Wellbeing programmes, led by SASP, focusing on physical and emotional health.
•    Community activities, tailored to Glastonbury's unique needs based on feedback.

Conor Ogilvie-Davidson emphasised the importance of creating a well-rounded facility: "We want to guarantee that the activities, sessions, and initiatives held in the building are suitable for all, and do not lean too heavily into any one sector's needs. Our vision is shaped by the community, and our partners bring expertise to ensure the centre delivers on its goals."

6.5% of attendees highlighted adult/older person services.

What's the timeline?

• July 2024: Restoration work began on St Dunstan's House, with local firm Melhuish and Saunders leading the project.
• Early 2025: Construction of the glazed atrium will begin.
• Summer 2025: The centre is expected to open its doors to the public.

Other suggestions include mental health support, cooking classes, job advice, and events with local schools.

What's next?

The council and its partners are continuing to analyse public feedback to refine the centre's offerings. As the project moves forward, Glastonbury Town Council remains committed to ensuring the centre becomes a resource that serves everyone in the community.

To stay updated on the project's progress, visit Glastonbury Town Council's website or follow their social media channels.