How Would You Improve Taunton Town Centre?

Somerset County Council is asking local people how they would make the centre of Taunton a better place for shoppers.

It is predicted that by 2026, increases in housing and jobs in the area could see Taunton growing to the size of Exeter.  In order to compete with rival shopping centres, Taunton needs to look at options to get more people to shop in Taunton.

From 30 November 2009, the public will be able to have their say about how traffic can be managed in the North Street area of Taunton to achieve this.  One proposal is that North Street, St James’ Street and Hammet Street could be pedestrianised when the Taunton Third Way opens in winter 2010.  This could see traffic removed from one of Taunton’s busiest shopping areas for either all or part of the day.

The public will be able to say whether this area should be wholly or partly pedestrianised, or left as it is at the moment.  People are also being asked for suggestions of how road safety can be improved.  People can also give ideas of how Taunton could be a more attractive place to shop.

There are several ways to get involved.  Freepost feedback forms will be posted to residents and businesses in the North Street area on 30 November.  Consultation forms will also be available from local libraries and council offices from this date.  The forms can also be completed online on the Somerset County Council website.

Local residents will also have the opportunity to give their thoughts in person at a Somerset County Council marquee, which will be set up outside of the Next store on Fore Street, Taunton, on:

  • 10am – 4pm, Saturday 5 December
  • 10am – 8pm, Thursday 10 December

Councillor Anthony Trollope-Bellew, Somerset County Council’s Cabinet Member - Environment, said: “Somerset County Council highly values the views of local residents.  We feel strongly that those who regularly visit Taunton town centre are best placed to ask about creating a safer and more vibrant shopping experience.  We look forward to hearing what they have to say.”

Patrick Flaherty, Somerset County Council’s Head of Physical Regeneration, added: “It is important that Taunton can continue to compete with other shopping centres in the region.  Working with local residents will help us to identify how we can improve the North Street area of Taunton, both in terms of road safety and the quality of experience for shoppers.”

The deadline for feedback about the proposed pedestrianisation of North Street, St James’ Street and Hammet Street is 15 January 2010.

The potential pedestrianisation of the North Street area forms part of the wider Taunton Town Centre Area Action Plan.  This plan also proposes changes to significant areas of the town centre, including retail development on both sides of the High Street and the redevelopment of the Castle Green Area.