The long-awaited transformation of the Baily's Buildings in Glastonbury is set to move forward this month as the enabling works at the derelict industrial site come to an end, paving the way for construction to begin.

The two Grade II listed factory buildings will be restored and repurposed to create office spaces, studios, and workspaces for small and growing businesses, alongside a café and workshop spaces for the local community.

The redevelopment will prioritise sustainability and heritage, incorporating net-zero construction, energy-efficient technologies, and design features that preserve the buildings' original architectural character. The project aims to balance conservation and sustainability by upgrading the building fabric, using fossil fuel-free heating solutions, and integrating efficient building services.

Planning permission for the regeneration of the former tannery and glove factory, including its distinctive chimney, was granted in April 2024, with a bat licence secured in July 2024. Since then, preparatory works have included establishing temporary bat roosts, emergency repairs to the chimney, asbestos removal, and structural stabilisation.

Construction is expected to begin in mid-to-late February 2025, with the renovation of Building West as the first phase. This phase, funded by a £6.3m grant from the Glastonbury Town Deal, is scheduled for completion by March 2026.

The Beckery Island Regeneration Trust (BIRT) took ownership of the historic buildings in 2011 with the goal of bringing them back into community use. Ian Tucker, chair of BIRT, said: "The regeneration of the Morland's and Baily's tanneries and factories is something this community has been working towards for more than 20 years. Now that transformation is finally happening. Over the coming weeks, people in the town will see scaffolding going up and construction works getting underway as our vision for a vibrant, sustainable hub of business, creativity and learning moves closer to becoming a reality. This is such an exciting time as we start to see real progress being made towards bringing these historic industrial buildings back into use for the benefit of the local community, creating employment, growth and new opportunities for Glastonbury."

Dr Lynne Sedgmore CBE, chair of the Glastonbury Town Deal Board, added: "We celebrate this flagship renovation as one of several examples of the transformation that this funding is delivering for the local community and our local economy. The synergy of the different Glastonbury Town Deal projects, as well as their individual contribution, is powerful testament to the hard work taking place and the many benefits being brought to our town."

Originally built in the 19th century as a tannery and manufactory for sheepskin, rugs, and gloves, the site later expanded to produce sporting goods. Baily's boxing gloves were famously worn by Henry Cooper, Muhammad Ali, and Floyd Patterson, including in the 1963 fight between Cooper and Ali, then known as Cassius Clay.

Following the closure of the factories in the 1980s, the buildings deteriorated. Since 2011, BIRT has led efforts to conserve and repurpose the site, aiming to turn the derelict structures into a hub for businesses, education, and community activities while preserving Glastonbury's industrial heritage.

Funded through the UK Government's Towns Fund, the Glastonbury Town Deal is providing £23.6m of investment to support economic growth, regeneration, and infrastructure projects in the town.