The £23.6 million of government money that has been awarded to Glastonbury has been hailed as a "once in a lifetime" opportunity to regenerate the town.

The Glastonbury Town's Fund Board this morning (May 8) confirmed that it is to receive £23.6 million from the Government's Towns Fund scheme.

The multi-million pound boost will fund a range of ambitious projects aimed at improving buildings and land, to provide facilities for community, enterprise and skills development, education, tourism and sports, health and well-being.

These funds mean that the government, local community and private sector can go full-steam ahead and renew substantial parts of the town, making it fit for purpose to address climate change and issues arriving from the Covid pandemic while delivering economic recovery and regeneration.

Mendip District Council and the Glastonbury Town's Fund Board will work together to agree and sign off the Heads of Terms of the Towns' Fund offer to enable funding to be released as soon as possible.

Chair of the Glastonbury Town's Fund Board and Partnership Head, Robert Richards, said: "The board and I, having spent many hours on endless Zoom calls, could not be happier to have reached this point.

"We are delighted that our Town Investment Plan has been recognised and will enable us to bring substantial funding and profound benefit to Glastonbury, a town we should all be proud of.

"Many people across the town contributed to the development of the plan submitted at the end of January this year and it is fantastic that their dedication has had a positive result.

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Glastonbury town, which will also mean that more investment can be sourced for the town, and that this success will ensure a positive future for such a unique and historic place."

Mendip District Council leader, Ros Wyke, said: "Mendip District Council fully supports the growth and investment plan for Glastonbury and congratulates all those who contributed.

"This is wonderful news. It offers such excitement and hope, and I am genuinely looking forward to seeing the projects come to life in the coming months and years ahead."

Mayor of Glastonbury, Jon Cousins, said: "The announcement of the approval of £23.6 million of funding to support a wide range of projects in Glastonbury is excellent news.

"It is a testament to the courage, dedication and enthusiasm of Glastonbury residents who will be working together to bring the approved projects in the Town Investment Plan to life."

Take a look at the plans for Glastonbury HERE.

More information can be found at: www.mendip.gov.uk/glastotowndeal