Somerset Council has granted planning permission for a significant transformation at 12 Vicars' Close in Wells.

This historic Grade I listed building, part of the medieval Vicars' Close, is set to be converted into a museum and learning space as part of a comprehensive conservation project.

Vicars' Close, over 650 years old and one of the most complete medieval Closes in the UK, was initially built to accommodate the Vicars' Choral.

This project aims to preserve the unique historical and architectural heritage of the Close, which is directly connected to Wells Cathedral.

The conservation effort, titled "Vicars' Close: A Medieval Street Singing Through the Centuries," focuses on sensitively conserving the buildings while enhancing their energy efficiency to meet net Zero targets by 2030. The project also includes opening up historically significant spaces to the public, such as the Chapel, Treasury, and Vicars' Hall. Two of the houses within the Close, including 12 Vicars' Close, will be developed into new spaces for visitors, providing insights into the rich history of the area.

In addition to the physical restoration, the project seeks to engage the local community through a series of activities that celebrate the heritage of Vicars' Close. Opportunities for volunteering, apprenticeships, and skill development, particularly for young people, are integral to the project. Environmental considerations are also a focus, with plans to use public green spaces and explore medieval physic garden designs.

The project is set to span six years with an estimated cost of £6.2 million. Wells Cathedral has already raised £1.1 million, and efforts are ongoing to secure a £3.3 million grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, with an additional £1.8 million in match funding required by March 2024.

The planning approval for the change of use at 12 Vicars' Close marks a crucial step in the realization of this ambitious project. The transformation of the property into a museum and learning space is expected to not only preserve but also enliven the historical narrative of Vicars' Close, making it an educational and cultural hub in Wells.