Major tenant 'milestone' for ex-factory site

THE regeneration of a Somerset tannery that once made Muhammad Ali’s boxing gloves has moved forwards, with an anchor tenant being secured that will create at least 15 new jobs.

- DANIEL MUMBY Local Democracy Reporter

The Baily’s Buildings in Glastonbury served as one of the town’s main employers until its closure in the 1980s.

Originally operating as a tannery, glove and rug manufacturer in the 1800s, the premises later specialised in creating sporting goods - including boxing gloves worn by Henry Cooper, Muhammad Ali, below, and Floyd Patterson.

The western building is being transformed into bespoke commercial units using £6.3 million from the government-funded Glastonbury town deal, with the first phase due to conclude in July.

Now an as-yet-unnamed anchor tenant has been secured, with the company moving into 60 per cent of the finished premises later in the year.