A £7.6 million regeneration project in Glastonbury has reached a major milestone, with more than 60 employees moving into a restored former factory building that has stood unused for decades.
The Grade II-listed Baily’s Building has reopened following an extensive redevelopment, creating modern office and commercial space designed to support established companies, start-ups and growing businesses.
Candlelight Homecare Services, a South West-based care provider founded in Somerset nearly 40 years ago, has become the development’s first major tenant, establishing its new headquarters across two floors of the building.
The move brings together more than 60 workers and carers at the site, which will oversee the company’s four main UK branches.
Somerset care business invests in its future
Founded by Cherry Catley-Day in nearby Butleigh in 1988, Candlelight Homecare Services has grown from a small local operation into a business with multiple branches.
The company’s relocation to Glastonbury represents a significant step in its development, providing additional space to support its operations, workforce and future growth.
“We absolutely love our new home at the Baily’s Building; it’s just what was needed for us to grow as a business.”
– Ken Marshall, chief executive of Candlelight Homecare Services, said:
Marshall added the move would create opportunities to develop existing employees and encourage younger people to consider careers in the care sector.
Investment creates new commercial space
The redevelopment forms part of the wider £23.6 million Glastonbury Town Deal, which is supporting regeneration and economic development projects across the town.
Led by the Beckery Island Regeneration Trust (BIRT), the restoration has transformed the former tannery and glove factory into commercial accommodation while retaining important features of the historic building.
The project has created space for smaller businesses and start-ups alongside established organisations, with sustainability and heritage conservation central to the development.
The reopening marked the culmination of years of work to bring the site back into productive use.
– Ian Tucker, chair of BIRT, said
The Trust is now exploring further funding opportunities to restore additional buildings within the former factory complex.
Further regeneration opportunities
The Baily’s site was once an important centre of local manufacturing, producing leather goods, sheepskin products and sporting equipment, including boxing gloves associated with Muhammad Ali.
Following the closure of its industrial operations in the 1980s, the buildings fell into disrepair.
The latest redevelopment has preserved original architectural features, including exposed walls and the former drying tower, while introducing facilities suitable for modern commercial use.
Further phases could bring additional workspace to Glastonbury, creating opportunities for business occupation and employment as the wider site is restored.
Businesses interested in future commercial accommodation at the Baily’s Buildings can contact Beckery Island Regeneration Trust.