Somerset Council and Wellington-based conservation architects Thread are inviting local people to share their views on the future of the Tone Works site in the town.
During a series of drop-ins this month, people will have the chance to meet the team behind the project to revitalise the industrial heritage site, owned by Somerset Council, and talk about its future and what they would like to see happen.
The Tone Works factory formed a pivotal part of Wellington’s cloth industry, housing the Fox Brothers’ wool and textile dyeing and “wet finishing” – washing and drying – processes. The wool and cloth was produced at the nearby Tonedale Mill.
Tone Works was in use from at least the 1750s up until its closure in 2000. Evidence of the evolution of water, steam and electric power generation remains, along with a unique collection of dyeing and finishing machinery which contributes to the site’s special significance.
Fox Brothers and Co. employed generations of Wellington families, producing fine woollen cloth, including fabric used for British Army uniforms.
The drop-ins will give people the chance to discuss the next steps and possible community uses for the Tone Works site.
They take place at:
Eliza House
35 Fore Street
Wellington
TA21 8AG
on:
- Saturday 18 April 9am to 1pm
- Monday 20 April 12pm to 7.30pm
- Tuesday 21 April 12pm to 7.30pm
The former Somerset West and Taunton Council took on the Tone Works premises in 2020 and undertook a phased programme of works to start bringing the derelict site into better condition after netting Levelling Up and Historic England funding.
The focus of the 4 phases of repair so far has been to tackle the most structurally complex and urgent problems in the site as well as a large decontamination phase that was required before any works could take place. The roof of the Finishing Shed is currently being repaired.
Developing a vision for Tone Works will help Somerset Council achieve its Levelling Up funding ambitions to secure the sustainable future of the site to bring it back into the heart of its community, to create a low carbon future and deliver gains for nature as well as for people.
