Glastonbury-based building contractor Melhuish & Saunders says it has had a busy and productive start to 2026, with a strong run of construction projects across the South West.

The firm, based at Landmark House on Wirral Park Road, has published its summer update, highlighting work on medical centres, fire stations, commercial buildings and a major church project in Clifton.

Managing director Darryl said the company started the year with "a significant influx of tenders" and a strong pipeline of projects. He said that had given the firm a positive outlook for the months ahead.

He said: "It has been encouraging to see continued confidence in the market and a range of quality opportunities across the sectors in which we operate."

Among the projects listed is a £1.1 million programme of refurbishment and improvement works at All Saints Church in Clifton. The work includes repairs and upgrades to the cloistered courtyard, installation of air source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels, thermal upgrades, accessibility improvements and new WC facilities.

The company said the church project requires careful planning and close working to keep disruption to parishioners, visitors and the wider community to a minimum while the work is carried out. Completion is expected in winter 2026.

Melhuish & Saunders is also progressing a £4 million new-build medical centre in Tetbury for Stonewood Homes, working with Osmond Tricks. The project began at the end of 2025 and has recently reached key milestones including completion of the roof structure.

A further healthcare scheme is under way at Coniston Medical Centre, where the firm is delivering a £925,000 extension for Mendip Vale Medical Group. The new single-storey extension is being built at the rear of the existing building and is set to provide five additional clinical consultation rooms and supporting spaces.

The firm has also completed work at Axbridge and Wedmore doctors' surgeries, where alterations were carried out while the practices remained open. At Axbridge, the work created additional clinical rooms and improved lighting, while Wedmore saw a new clinical room and replacement first-floor WC.

Outside healthcare, Melhuish & Saunders has completed a £900,000 warehouse extension for Calleva Nutrition. The project added storage and operational space, with a new steel portal frame building, linking section, drainage improvements, external works and fire protection measures.

The summer update also marks staff changes at the company. John Shirt retired as company buyer at the end of February after years of service, while Gary Thompson joined as the new buyer in March.

The business has also welcomed Alex Hancock as contracts manager and Patrick Sadler as site foreman. The firm said both had joined earlier this year and were already contributing to its current workload.

Melhuish & Saunders also used the update to highlight community support, including sponsorship of Orchard Vale Trust's Toby Charnaud Memorial Golf Day. The company said it sponsored a hole and entered a team at the event, held on Friday, 12 June.

The firm also lists support for Somerset Wildlife Trust, Constructing Excellence South West, Somerset FA's Men's Senior Cup, the Fumblers rounders team and is a sponsor of Glastonbury Nub News.

The full summer newsletter is available from Melhuish & Saunders.

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