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Project Taunton
Project summary
Taunton is set to undergo a transformation over the next decade
with the regeneration of 47 hectares of under-used land in the town
centre. Up to £1 billion will be invested in boosting the local
economy, creating new jobs as well as developing employment and
leisure space. The regeneration is expected to pioneer excellence
in environmental sustainability, setting challenging goals for
reducing CO2 emissions. The first phase of development is Firepool
– a mixed use development next to the mainline railway station.
Main messages
Taunton is a priority place for the Agency because it has the
potential to drive economic growth in the M5 corridor and Somerset
sub-region which sits in the very centre of the region.
The ambition is that Project Taunton will be a commercially
viable zero carbon development and beacon for ‘green’ regeneration,
which reflects the Agency’s own remit – to lead the development of
a low carbon economy.
Taunton has been identified by the Government as a Strategically
Significant City or Town (SSCT) and Growth Point – a commitment by
Government to fund proposals within certain areas, which have been
given this status, to deliver new housing.
Facts and figures
- The Agency has invested more than £9.8 million including
investment through the Regional Infrastructure Fund into Project
Taunton and is its major funder. Other key partners include Taunton
Deane Borough Council, Somerset County Council and the Environment
Agency.
- The project is estimated to cost £1 billion and is expected to
generate the following:
- 80,000m2 of new employment space
- At least 7,000 new jobs
- 50,000m2 of new retail and leisure
facilities
- More than 2,000 new homes in the town
centre
- Support at least 18,000 new homes across
the whole of Taunton
- Work is currently under way on the refurbishment of the
Somerset County Museum, at Taunton Castle, for re-opening this
summer, while Somerset County Cricket Club’s new Conference Centre,
and Somerset Square – a new public square between the County Ground
and the Brewhouse Theatre – have both recently been completed.
Demolition and enabling works are also now under way at at
Firepool.
- It is anticipated that the project will be complete by
2015.
Case study
The aim of the project is to harness the natural assets of
Taunton to transform the town into a thriving hub of cultural and
economic activity. With around 50 hectares of underused land, the
River Tone – a key feature for sustainable development – and its
strong transport links to London and other major cities in the
South West, Taunton is set to be one of the most desirable places
to live in the region.
The physical regeneration has been divided into four zones:
- The new commercial core is
currently a brownfield site which used to house the livestock
market. Adjacent to the railway station and alongside the River
Tone, it will include high quality office and residential
developments along the riverside
- The cultural quarter will
benefit from major improvements to existing facilities. It includes
Somerset County Cricket Club, the Brewhouse Theatre & Arts
Centre and the Museum. The new creative heart of Taunton will
bustle with a mix of independent shops, cafes, creative workshops
and apartments linked by riverside walkways and open spaces.
- The main retail area will
benefit from a major redevelopment. A new array of shops and public
spaces will help shoppers reconnect with the town centre
environment and attract visitors from the surrounding areas.
- Tangier provides an
opportunity for edge of town mixed-use development. An ideal
riverside location for businesses seeking flexible managed office
space and for high quality homes close to town centre
shopping.
Each of the development areas will be linked by the River Tone.
A fundamental part of the regeneration is to reinstate the river as
a significant focus of the town, bringing new life to the
riverside.
The aspiration for Project Taunton is to achieve a commercially
viable net zero carbon development.
This will be clearly stated in relevant planning guidance and,
where appropriate, in development agreements. It is central to the
successful delivery of high quality and sustainable development in
Taunton.
To ensure these aims are met, Project Taunton has set up a
series of rigorous measures to check outputs and provide support to
developers at all stages of the town's regeneration.
Project Taunton requires development partners to embrace and
demonstrate commitment to the delivery of the key regeneration
areas to an exemplary standard of sustainability. This ambition is
encapsulated in the Taunton Protocol.
Conclusion
Although the project is still in its early stages, Project
Taunton has demonstrated good practices in its commitment to being
eco-friendly and pioneering sustainable excellence. The RDA enabled
the development of the Taunton Protocol and has been responsible
for managing its delivery.
St Modwen has been named as the development partner for
Firepool. Despite a very difficult economic climate, contracts have
been exchanged and enabling works started on site.
Website: www.projecttaunton.co.uk
Further information
Date case study written: February 2010.
Contact: South West RDA press office by email news.enquiries@southwestrda.org.uk or
telephone 01392 229389.