Six shortlisted for Taunton regeneration scheme

Six developers have been shortlisted for a major town centre regeneration scheme in Taunton, Somerset.   Partnership proposals for the 16.5-acre Firepool site will be sought from: David McLean Developments/Carillion PLC Development Securities Kier Group St Modwen Properties Stanhope and Terrace Hill/ Firmac Developments. The list has been drawn up by Project Taunton which is made up of Taunton Deane Borough Council, South West of England Regional Development Agency, Somerset County Council and the Environment Agency. The area mostly comprises two properties owned by the council, the Taunton livestock market and Priory Bridge Road car park, separated by the River Tone and both with extensive river frontages. The livestock market comprises a range of buildings on a site of about 10 acres. Vacant possession will be available from September. The Priory Bridge Road car park covers 4 acres. Ian Franklin of Project Taunton said: “Those shortlisted were selected on criteria including the quality, relevance and success of previous projects.  “In the next stage of the selection process, they will now be required to work up their proposals for delivering the objectives of the vision for Firepool.  “They will need to provide a variety of technical and financial information and each scheme will be judged on factors such as the quality of the design, the sustainability of the proposal and the economic regeneration potential.” The development partner is expected to be named this summer. Project Taunton is being advised by Alder King. Project Taunton is managing two other regeneration areas of Taunton, a ‘cultural quarter’ extending from the Somerset County Cricket Club along the River Tone to Tangier and incorporating Coal Orchard, the Brewhouse theatre and arts centre, the museum and Castle Green and the main retail area in the town centre.