Project Taunton’s Open Day a Great Success

Project Taunton welcomed crowds of visitors to its first public open day last Thursday, 3 April. Heralded a great success by the organisers, more than 700 people went along to see the latest plans and additional presentations were put on to cope with demand.

The event was held at the Brewhouse Theatre, doors opened at 10.30am and a constant flow of people came and went throughout the day with the last visitors leaving just before 10pm in the evening. On display were details of the developments taking place in the town centre and presentations were held throughout the day to explain what is happening and how people in Taunton will be affected by the regeneration. Visitors examined the plans and had the chance to ask questions and provide feedback to members of the Project Taunton team and its partners.

The day was jointly hosted by Project Taunton and the Taunton Town Centre Company along with support from Taunton Deane Borough Council. All parties felt it had been a hugely important day for people in Taunton and hope to hold similar events in the future to keep people abreast of developments.

Talking about Project Taunton's Open Day, Ian Franklin, Project Director of Project Taunton, said: "The open day was a fantastic event, it was great that so many people came along, asked questions and told us what they thought about the plans for Taunton. We were really pleased with the level of support for the regeneration from businesses and people living in the town; there is a lot of enthusiasm out there to improve Taunton and make it a better place to live and work."

Lucy Ball, Chief Executive of the Taunton Town Centre Company, said: "It is crucial to the success of Project Taunton that we have the support of local people and business. Without hearts and minds behind the scheme it would be a soulless exercise. The interest, enthusiasm and positive anticipation expressed by our visitors last week was really very encouraging and proves that there is a great hunger for Taunton to move forward."

Mark Leeman, Senior Policy Officer at Taunton Deane Borough Council, commented: "We really value the views of people in the town and it is important that they continue to be a part of the consultation process over the coming years. The Open Day was a hugely valuable event as it gave everyone a chance to voice their opinions and help them understand what's happening in Taunton."

Stephen Major of Gadd Homes who exhibited at the event said: "Being involved in the regeneration of Taunton, I was delighted at the high level of support and enthusiasm shown by the vast majority of those who discussed the schemes we had on display. The fact that projects identified by the Vision for Taunton are now being built reinforces the fact that it has been worth the long wait in order to guarantee that only developments ensuring the future prosperity of the town, and enhancing the quality of the built environment, gain planning approval."

Visitors were asked to complete feedback forms saying how they felt about the Open Day and the regeneration of Taunton as a whole.

Taunton resident, G Musgrave, commented: "It's good to see derelict land being used at last for a meaningful purpose."

Patsy Hinchliffe who also lives in the town, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for Taunton led by a very experienced team. I thoroughly enjoyed Mr Franklin's talk and talking to him afterwards. Thank you."

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

ENDS