No more funds for project after critical audit report

NO further funding will be provided for a flagship regeneration project in Glastonbury following a damning audit of its finances.

- DANIEL MUMBY Local democracy journalist

‘The Red Brick Building, located off the A39 Street Road, has been the subject of significant building work as part of the £23.6m Glastonbury town deal, with the derelict ‘Building C’ being transformed into community events space, offices and other facilities. Somerset Council officially ‘paused’ funding for the project in January 2024 amid serious concerns being raised about its management, with a formal audit being carried out by the South West Audit Partnership (SWAP). With SWAP’s findings now being made public, the council has said no further funding will be released for the project - leaving local contractors in limbo and the building work unfinished.

What was planned for the Red Brick Building?

‘The Red Brick Building comprises buildings A, B and C - with planning permission being granted in 2011 to convert all three buildings into offices, light industrial units, a restaurant or cafe and various leisure uses.

While Buildings A and B are now occupied and fully operational, Building C was not converted at this time during to financial constraints.

‘The government provided £250,000 of ‘accelerator funding’ during the coronavirus pandemic, allowing some of the initial work on the building to be carried out ahead of a full planning application being submitted in August 2023.

Under the full proposals, the ground floor will be completely remodelled to create space for an air conditioned recording studio, the relocation of the Glastonbury FM community radio station and a canteen with space for 50 diners.

‘The ground floor will also include a self-contained “youth area” multi-function space, space for the ‘Mini Makers’ community arts and crafts workshops (aimed at young children), a well-being therapy centre, a shop and a community laundry for members of the ‘non bricks and mortar’ community.