Glastonbury Town Council has offered its support for the Life Factory project, a community-driven initiative aimed at creating a collaborative space for local artists, musicians, and residents.

The project, which seeks to transform a local building into a creative hub, is designed to serve as a venue for workshops, performances, and community events. During a recent council meeting, members discussed the project's aims as well as ongoing challenges related to funding and contractor payments.

The Life Factory, while associated with the Red Brick Building Community Centre, operates independently, with its own management and funding structures. Recent financial setbacks, including rising costs for building materials and difficulties in securing matched funding, have temporarily halted work on the site.

Cllr Indra Donfrancesco, representing the Life Factory, told the town council that the project has not "run out of money" but has instead faced specific financial difficulties that led to a temporary pause while an audit is completed.

Cllr Donfrancesco explained, "In response to recent financial challenges, specifically rising building material costs and an unsuccessful attempt to secure match funding, the Red Brick board made the decision to temporarily pause all the work of the Life Factory." She added that Somerset Council, "exercising due diligence with government funds," had called for an external audit, which she noted has "taken longer than initially expected." This audit is now scheduled for review in December, with Cllr Donfrancesco confirming that the findings will be made public to maintain transparency.

To support the project through this phase, the Red Brick Building has provided interim funding of over £90,000 to cover contractor payments and staff wages. Cllr Donfrancesco acknowledged that this has affected other operations and that reimbursement is awaited. Delays in releasing funds have left contractors in limbo, with one unpaid subcontractor expressing concerns at a previous council meeting. The Red Brick Building has paid one contractor, scaffolding company R4, over £224,000 for their work, though a further £30,000 to £50,000 remains unpaid.

Cllr Donfrancesco assured the council and community that these payments are being prioritised, despite the complexities surrounding the funding.

Addressing the broader challenges faced by the Life Factory, Cllr Donfrancesco expressed frustration over what she described as "rumours and accusations" surrounding the project.

She stated, "Rumours and accusations only hinder these efforts, especially for those awaiting payments. I personally object to how the Life Factory is being used for political slurs and respectfully urge everyone, including council members, to support community projects instead of undermining them."

In response to public concern, the council has called for transparency around the project's finances. An audit into the Life Factory, overseen by Somerset Council, has been underway and was originally expected to be completed earlier this year. This audit will now be reviewed in December, and Cllr Donfrancesco confirmed that the findings will be made publicly available to maintain transparency.

The council expressed hope that the Life Factory could serve as a vibrant venue, fostering cultural exchange and skill-sharing within the community. Members discussed potential ways to offer additional support, including grant applications and further council assistance, to ensure that the Life Factory moves forward.

The council acknowledged frustrations over delays but remained optimistic about the Life Factory's impact, with plans to work closely with the project organisers in line with Glastonbury's broader community development goals.

Further updates are expected in the coming months as the audit report is finalised and the project seeks to resume work.