Inside St Dunstan’s House: Glastonbury’s historic hub set for transformation by summer 2025
By Laura Linham
21st Nov 2024 9:30 am | Local News
St Dunstan's House in Glastonbury is undergoing a remarkable renovation as part of a Town Deal-funded project, with plans to reopen the historic building as a community hub by summer 2025.
A video by Glastonbury videographer Gabriel Avalon offers an exclusive look inside, showcasing the ongoing work to transform the Grade II-listed building into a modern, accessible space while preserving its historical charm.
The extensive renovation is focused on carefully restoring original features, such as parquet flooring, fireplaces, and wooden details, while introducing modern amenities. The much-loved mural from its time as an information centre is being protected, and the roof has been fully repaired, complete with bat habitats installed in line with ecological requirements. Reclaimed tiles have been used to ensure the roof remains true to the building's heritage.
New features are being added to meet the needs of the modern community, including a lift to make the entire building accessible. A new front entrance is being installed to give the building a stronger presence on Magdalene Street, while a Changing Places facility will provide much-needed accessibility for visitors with additional needs. The building's balcony is also being restored for use, and a glass-roofed extension will link the main structure to its gardens.
Inside, the spaces are being reimagined to host a variety of activities, from healthy cooking classes to wellbeing programmes and hybrid educational sessions. One of the highlights will be a state-of-the-art multipurpose room with advanced audiovisual technology, designed to host events, meetings, and workshops.
The project includes vital exterior upgrades as well, such as drainage improvements with a rainwater attenuation tank to reduce pressure on local sewers. Sustainability features, including rain gardens, have also been introduced to enhance the surrounding environment.
The work is being carried out by local contractors, including Melhuish and Saunders, sponsors of Nub News. Town clerk Connor, who led the video tour, highlighted the importance of using local labour and expertise, saying, "This project is supporting the local economy while delivering something truly special for the community."
The renovations are on track for completion in summer 2025, with plans to open the building with a full schedule of health and wellbeing initiatives, developed in partnership with organisations such as Strode College and the West Mendip Primary Care Network. St Dunstan's House is set to become a vital hub for Glastonbury, blending its historic character with modern accessibility and community-focused facilities.
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