Local Firm Appointed to Landscape Taunton's Flood Protection Area

Thursday, 16 April 2009 10:21

The creation of a new green space for Taunton has taken a significant step forward with the recent appointment of landscape architects, Swan Paul Partnership, to undertake the landscape design of the flood protection scheme and associated land at Long Run Farm. The Taunton based company will develop a masterplan for a public area accessible via foot and cycle paths with safe places for children to play and protected habitats for wildlife, in the style of a small country park.

From their offices in Middle Street, the Swan Paul team has been responsible for a number of projects in Taunton including the children's playground at French Weir, the new extension to St Margaret's Hospice and plans for landscaping the river frontage around the Brewhouse Theatre.

Steve Swan, director, said: We are delighted to be appointed as landscape consultants on this project. There's huge potential at Long Run Farm and we're really looking forward to working with the project team to create a public space that people of all ages can enjoy throughout the year".

The South West RDA funded the acquisition of the land as part of a wider investment in the delivery of Project Taunton. The Agency also invested £2.4 million from its Regional Infrastructure Fund into the flood protection scheme at Long Run Farm, which was completed in November and will safeguard the regeneration of the town.

Alastair Godfrey, professional services manager at the South West RDA, said: "What was previously agricultural land will become a superb green area for people to enjoy. Spaces like this will improve the quality of life and attract investment, helping to boost the town's regeneration and unlock its business potential. This land is close to the centre of the town and will be easily accessible for the enjoyment of residents, businesses and visitors alike.

"Swan Paul won the contract due to their excellent local knowledge and competitive pricing. They have a great track record of projects in Taunton and we look forward to seeing the final plans."

Project Taunton is one of the largest town centre regeneration programmes in the South West. It will provide at least 7,000 jobs, 80,000m² of employment space and 50,000m² of new retail space. In addition it will also will create 2,000 new homes in the town centre and support at least 18,000 new homes across Taunton as a whole.

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