Two significant grants have been awarded to Glastonbury Abbey's piazza project, totalling £86,800.

The Wolfson Foundation has contributed £50,000 and Benefact Trust has given £36,800. The funding aims to enhance visitor experience and improve facilities at the abbey, which holds historical and cultural significance.

Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation, stated: "We are very pleased to support this remarkable project which will improve the visitor experience and provide even greater insight into the remarkable historic and cultural significance of the Abbey."

Paul Playford, Senior Grants and Operations Officer for Benefact Trust, added: "We're excited to support the piazza project and help to transform the visitor experience at Glastonbury Abbey. This work will bring the Abbey into the heart of the town, providing a hub for people to gather and connect with each other and the Abbey itself."

This additional funding supplements the £934,367 previously allocated by the Towns Fund and £249,990 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Janet Bell MBE, Glastonbury Abbey Director and project lead, commented: "We are very excited to receive the support of the Wolfson Foundation and Benefact Trust for our piazza project and extend our thanks to all who made it possible. Their generous contributions will help us to offer a visitor experience and community space of world-class standard."

Julie Reader-Sullivan, Assistant Director at Somerset Council, also acknowledged the importance of the new funding: "We are delighted to hear this exciting news. Securing this level of additional funding is testament to the profile of the project and the impact this will have for visitors and residents."

The piazza project is part of the Glastonbury Town Deal, which has secured a £23.6 million investment for various initiatives aimed at regeneration and sustainability.

The project aims to create a new landscaped area featuring an improved abbey entrance, shop, café, and toilets and offer free access to St. Patrick's Chapel.