Amphitheatre plan as part of Firepool facelift
AN amphitheatre and giant water feature will be provided in Taunton under the latest proposals for the eyesore Firepool site.
The long-delayed reinvigoration of the former cattle market site on Canal Road, which has been empty since 2008, could see the space filled with housing, commercial units, a hotel, cinema and a multi-purpose entertainment venue.
Despite numerous delays, the council has secured permission to develop parts of the site, including the new access road from the A3087 Trenchard Way to the north and the conversion of the former GWR offices in commercial space.
Plans have now been put forward for the “southern boulevard” which will connect the site to the town centre, providing both a new cycle route and new communal spaces for residents and visitors alike.
The new boulevard will approximately follow the route of the temporary boulevard connecting Taunton railway station to Somerset County Cricket Club, which was created ahead of Taunton hosting three matches in the 2019 Cricket World Cup. At the northern end of the site, the boulevard will join pedestrian and cycling routes between Trenchard Way and Canal Road, which are being built as part of the digitial innovation centre – which is due to open in 2023.
This is being built opposite the former GWR offices, from there the boulevard will proceed south, providing rain gardens to encourage wildlife and a town square between the residential and commercial elements before broadening out into a large water feature. At the southern end of the site, the boulevard will finish at a substantial amphitheatre before linking with pedestrian and cycling routes along the River Tone.
A spokesman for AHR Architects (representing Somerset West and Taunton Council) said: “The southern boulevard has been prepared to form a connection between the railway station, Somerset County Cricket Club, Coal Orchard and the town centre. It has been designed to be the catalyst for future commercial and residential development.”
The boulevard plans are expected to come before the council’s planning committee for a final decision later in the year.
The council expects the Firepool scheme to have cost up to £29 million by 2025 – this is assuming thatw there are no further delays in obtaining permissions or with construction.