Official Opening of Somerset Square

Friday, 18 December 2009 15:57

Somerset Square is the very first project in Taunton's £1billion regeneration programme to be completed. It was officially opened today by the Mayor of Taunton, Cllr Bob Bowrah, at an event in the newly landscaped area by the River Tone.

Attendees at the event included Cllr John Williams who led proceedings, Robert Miles of The Brewhouse and Richard Gould of Somerset County Cricket Club who both spoke about the wider impact of Somerset Square for their businesses, and Cllr Simon Coles from Taunton Deane Borough Council who gave the vote of thanks to all concerned in Somerset Square's delivery. A number of the Project Taunton Young Champions also joined the celebrations during which the cast of The Brewhouse Christmas show, When Santa Fell to Earth, gave a short performance.

Somerset Square is the area between Somerset County Cricket Club and Coal Orchard car park and it has been developed in stages. The first phase, which included the building of new apartments and a restaurant by Pegasus Developments next to the Cricket Club, was completed in November. Project Taunton's second adjoining landscaping phase outside The Brewhouse was completed on schedule earlier this month.

Phase two, funded through the Government's Growth Point programme, has been designed by Taunton landscape architects, Swan Paul Partnership. The area in front of the theatre, which was previously scruffy paving and tarmac, has been transformed, with outdoor seating and planters, becoming a place where people can relax while enjoying the surroundings by the river.

The first art exhibition for the people of Taunton to enjoy is the Entry Level project by artist Simon Lee Dicker. This sees a new piece of public art lighting up the roof of The Brewhouse. Complementing this is work by local glass blower Will Shakspear who has crafted glass sets as part of the landscaping.

Access to the Brewhouse has been much improved and the Flying Aubergine, the popular Taunton restaurant, is now providing food at the theatre.

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

Ian Franklin of Project Taunton said: "The completion of Somerset Square is an exciting milestone for Taunton's regeneration. During these difficult economic times it's important that Taunton remains optimistic and looks to the future - and today has been just one example of how the town is not just surviving but moving forward."

Cllr Simon Coles, Executive Councillor for Planning and Transport, said: "This is an exciting day for Taunton as it marks the completion of the first project in the regeneration of the county town. I would like to thank all those involved for their hard work and commitment."

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