Wellbeing centre project secures £500k grant

St Dunstan's House in Glastonbury is expected to open this summer

A project to restore a building to create a centre for health and wellbeing advice has secured a £500,000 government grant.

St Dunstan's House in Glastonbury will offer a range of activities and classes, much like a community centre, according to the plans.

The building is part of the Glastonbury Town Deal, a government-backed agreement to fund a number of infrastructure projects.

Glastonbury Town Council, which wrote the bid for the grant, said: "The project aims to address the increasing demand for healthcare services, wellness support, and social activities in the region, offering a much-needed hub for all ages and backgrounds."

St Dunstan's House will also "support mental and physical wellbeing, and offer vital services to local residents", the town council added.

The grant comes from the government's £150m Community Ownership Fund.

A total of £2.2m has now been allocated to the St Dunstan's project, reducing reliance on loans.

'Major step forward'

Sarah Dyke, the MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, hailed the grant as "fantastic news".

"Rural areas like ours need more outreach facilities for communities, careers, skills, and business support," she said.

"This funding is a major step forward in addressing those challenges and helping local people thrive."

St Dunstan's House sits next door to Glastonbury Town Hall and is expected to open this summer.

When complete, the project will be owned and managed by the town council.