Project Taunton's Latest Plans Go On Show to Public

PROJECT TAUNTON'S LATEST PLANS GO ON SHOW TO PUBLIC

Project Taunton, the regeneration of Taunton's town centre, is holding a public open day on Thursday 3 April at the Brewhouse Theatre in Taunton. On display will be details of the developments taking place in the town centre over the coming years with members of the Project Taunton team and its partners on hand to answer questions.

The Project Taunton open day kicks off at 10.30am and is open until 9.00pm to ensure as many people as possible can attend. Information stands and members of the team will be available all day. In addition, a detailed presentation with the opportunity to ask questions will be held at three times during the day: 12.30pm to 1.30pm, 5.30pm to 6.30pm and 7.30pm to 8.30pm.

The regeneration of Taunton will create major changes across the town centre, including:

• A new commercial area with a mix of office and residential developments at Firepool, the area near the train station. A developer for this is set to be appointed towards the end of May.

• Expansion of the ground and stands at Somerset County Cricket Club has already started and improved cultural facilities will include developments at the Museum of Somerset and the Brewhouse Theatre.

• Better shops and improved public transport are the focus of a new retail centre for the Old Market Centre.

• Extensive improvements to the riverside areas of town will include new housing, landscaped green areas and safe walkways.

The day is being jointly hosted by Project Taunton and the Taunton Town Centre Company.

Talking about Project Taunton's open day, Ian Franklin, Project Director of Project Taunton, said: "We really hope as many people as possible can come along and find out what's happening in Taunton. This is the first time that the plans have been laid out to the public with this level of detail and it gives everyone the chance to hear about the exciting plans in place for the next few years. Whether you live in Taunton, run a business here, are thinking of moving to the town or just interested to see what's happening, we'd be really pleased to see you. We want to hear what people think of the plans and the open day is a chance to ask questions and find out more."

Lucy Ball, Chief Executive of the Taunton Town Centre Company, said: "The ambitious plans for the regeneration of Taunton have reached a critical stage. The preferred developer for the Firepool site will be announced very soon, the plans for the new Third Way road are about to be submitted and the Museum has had confirmation that it has won Heritage Lottery funding for a complete overhaul of its site. There is no better time to share this and other crucial information about how Taunton will shape up over the coming decade. We look forward to welcoming everyone to this free event on Thursday 3^rd April at the Brewhouse Theatre, Taunton."

To find out more about Project Taunton visit www.projecttaunton.co.uk or call 01823 250809.