Work Begins on Open Air Performance Area for Taunton

Tuesday, 06 October 2009 13:56

A new public open space in the centre of Taunton is being created as part of Project Taunton and contractors will be on site this week to start work. Part of the new Somerset Square development, the area outside The Brewhouse Theatre & Arts Centre, will be transformed into a place for outdoor entertainment, public art and eating out.

Somerset Square is the area between Somerset County Cricket Club and the Theatre and it is being developed in stages. The first phase, which included the building of new apartments and a restaurant by Pegasus Developments next to the Cricket Club, is due to be completed in early November. Project Taunton's second landscaping phase outside The Brewhouse is set for completion in mid November.

Phase two has been designed by Taunton landscape architects, Swan Paul Partnership and funded through the Government's Growth Point scheme. The area in front of the theatre, which is currently scruffy paving and tarmac, will be transformed with outdoor seating and planters becoming a place where people can relax while enjoying art and public performances.

The first art exhibition for the people of Taunton to enjoy will be the Entry Level project by artist Simon Lee Dicker. This will see a new piece of public art lighting up the roof of The Brewhouse. Complementing this will be work by local glass blower Will Shakspear who will be making a glass installation.

The entrance and access to the Brewhouse will be improved, providing a fitting setting for the Flying Aubergine, the popular Taunton restaurant, which is now providing food at the theatre.

The Somerset Square development is just one of a number of projects taking place along the River Tone, from Firepool through to Longrun Meadows. They will all improve accessibility to the river with better footpaths, cycle routes and careful landscaping.

Ian Franklin of Project Taunton said: "Somerset Square will be the first new public space in Taunton for a long time. It's the perfect riverside location for art installations, live performances, and eating out. We're now looking forward to its official opening in time for Christmas."

Talking about the plans for Somerset Square, landscape architect Steve Swan said: "We are pleased to be involved in the enhancement of the area in front of The Brewhouse. The main improvements will be an outdoor café terrace and ramps into the theatre, rather than the existing steps"

Robert Miles, Director of The Brewhouse said: "Ever since I arrived at The Brewhouse I have wanted to develop the prime site between the building and the river, and with the help of Project Taunton, Somerset County Cricket Club, TDBC and our other partners I am delighted to see this ambition realised. The high quality design of Somerset Square also offers a wonderful addition to the town centre. We hope to regularly take the exciting and diverse work of Somerset's premier theatre and arts centre outside the building into these new public spaces. This is a great leap forward for the cultural life of our county town."

Tweet