A decade-long project to create a new community health and wellbeing centre in the heart of Glastonbury is finally nearing reality — with the team behind it promising a fully inclusive service shaped by local voices.

Ellie Carey-Say, Operational Lead at St Dunstan's House Community Health & Wellbeing Centre, said the building's transformation has been "a journey", but one that will soon pay off for the whole town.

"We have the keys in our hand," she said. "It's like we've been given the opportunity to unlock our community and their needs."

The Town Council bought the historic building in 2015. Since then, it has secured major funding — including £1.5 million from the Town Deal, £500,000 from the Community Ownership Fund, £140,000 from local charities, and the potential for borrowing up to £760,000 — to turn it into a dedicated space for physical and mental health support, community activities and targeted services.

The restoration has been carried out with the help of Melhuish and Saunders, preserving original features while adding modern accessibility improvements. A glass atrium now links the centre to Glastonbury Town Hall.

"I like to think of it as a metaphor," Ellie said. "A symbol of the council moving forward towards more community-driven solutions."

The centre will offer social prescribing, health advice, community-led support and holistic help with everything from finances to loneliness.

A soft launch is planned for November, with full services expected to be in place in the new year.

Ellie, who previously worked in the healthcare sector providing cancer and dementia services, said: "We want it to be a beacon. A safe space. We'll be guided by the people who use it — and their stories will measure our success."

She said the centre's team was committed to listening to all sections of the community — including those who are often unheard. "It's a space for everyone. That includes the vulnerable, too."

St Dunstan's House is part of Glastonbury's £23.6m Town Deal. The wider project includes key partners such as West Mendip Primary Care Network, Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, Spark Somerset, as well as other community organisations.

Public support has been strong, with over 80% backing the idea during consultations — and hundreds more attending events to give input on what services should be offered.

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