The transformation of St Dunstan's House in Glastonbury is gathering pace, with major building works now well under way ahead of its October opening.

The historic property is being restored to serve as the St Dunstan's Community Health and Wellbeing Centre, one of Glastonbury's flagship Town Deal projects.

The centre will bring health services, wellbeing programmes and community activities together under one roof, supported by local health and voluntary sector partners.

This week the site has been a hive of activity, with six trades working in the atrium. Aluminium curtain walling is now being installed ahead of glazing, and decorating is under way, giving a clear sense of the building's new look. Across the site, glazed partitions and doors are being fitted in the entrance, kitchen and one of the multi-use rooms.

Accessibility has been a key focus, with a new lift and carefully designed ramps being added so that everyone can use the building. Outside, new paving is being laid, including the reuse of 19th-century cobbles discovered during excavation at the Abbey entrance – a feature that reflects Glastonbury's heritage. On the south side, a new Douglas Fir balcony is also under construction, designed to echo the character of the original house.

The £23.6 million Town Deal is funding the project, which is being overseen by Glastonbury-based contractors Melhuish and Saunders, sponsors of Glastonbury and Street Nub News. The scheme is being steered by Glastonbury Town Council in partnership with the West Mendip Primary Care Network (PCN) and Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP). Other organisations involved include Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, Young Somerset, Spark Somerset and the Community Council for Somerset.

Conor Ogilvie-Davidson, Town Clerk at Glastonbury Town Council, is the senior responsible officer for the project. The aim is to provide a balance of services for all sectors of the community, with health services delivered by the PCN, wellbeing programmes led by SASP, and community activities tailored to local needs.