One of Somerset's most iconic tourist attractions will be given a new lease of life as part of a multi-million-pound regeneration programme.

Glastonbury was one of 101 towns across the UK – and one of only two in Somerset – which has received funding from the government's towns fund, with £23.6m being provided for projects designed to enhance the town centre and improve the town's fortunes.

Following final approval of the business case in September, Glastonbury Abbey has now published plans for how the approach to the abbey will be enhanced through a new piazza and improved visitor facilities.

Mendip District Council is expected to make a ruling on the plans in early-2023, with the funding for the project having to be spent in its entirely by March 2026.

The abbey (which is a nationally scheduled monument) is currently accessed through the abbey gatehouse on Magdalene Street, with visitors being able to visit both the gift shop and the museum before or after they walk around.

Under the proposals, a new "open piazza space" will be created between the gatehouse and the abbey grounds themselves, designed to "improve connectivity with the town centre".

The existing shop and café building will be extended and refurbished, as will the museum, with new accessible toilet facilities being provided on site.

The former shop and store building will also be demolished to provide more space for visitors.

A spokesman for Mott McDonald, representing the abbey, said: "The proposed development is led by Glastonbury Abbey, with the objective of significantly enhancing the main entrance approaches and visitor reception facilities at the abbey, improving its visibility, accessibility and physical connection to the town.

"The rationale for the proposed development is to address the lack of visibility and accessibility of the abbey for both residents and tourists.

"It also recognises the need for covid-secure space where people can meet or exercise, enhancing well-being.

"The desired outcome of the proposed development is greater visitor numbers at Glastonbury Abbey and making the site more financially viable along with additional income being generated for town centre businesses."

The abbey revamp is the second town deal project to come forward to the planning stage, following the submission of plans to revitalise the Baily's Buildings on Beckery Old Road.

This latest application follows a drop-in event held at Glastonbury Town Hall on Thursday (November 24), where locals businesses were invited to see how they could get involved with delivering the various town deal projects.

Dr Lynne Sedgmore CBE, chair of the Glastonbury town deal board, said: "We've had lots of people coming in from the local community and lots of local businesses too, all interested to see how they can be part of this once-in-a-generation opportunity.

"There's been a considerable amount of learning, networking, new ideas, innovation and contributions, so I'm deeply grateful to everyone involved. It's because it's a huge team, all working together in the interest of Glastonbury, that we've had such a successful day.

"Now it's time for us to deliver on our promise to the town."

A decision on the Glastonbury Abbey plans is expected to be made early in the new year. For more information on the Glastonbury town deal, visit www.glastonburytowndeal.co.uk.