Taunton Urban Design Framework - Taunton Deane Borough Council

Goodland GardensCultural AttractionsA new theatre on the north bank of the river replaces theexisting Lidl and Poundstretcher buildings. This wouldprovide a 550 seat auditorium, studio theatre, flexibleconference space and gallery space. It provides theopportunity for a contemporary, iconic building forTaunton in this prominent riverfront location.HousingThe redevelopment of the Lidl/Poundstretcher area wouldprovide an opportunity to enhance the Greenbrook Terracearea, and introduce additional housing into the towncentre. The north bank of the cultural quarter thereforeprovides a mix of townhouses and apartments to reinforcethis residential area.Goodland Gardens links the cultural attractions north andsouth of the river. It provides a setting for the CastleMuseum and for the new theatre. The Gardens canprovide a central riverfront location for an outdoorperformance space linked to the theatre, the castlemuseum and the Cultural Centre of Excellence. Openingup the space, and thinning the planting, would enhanceviews of the castle and provide a dramatic visual setting.RetailImproving links to Bath Place, and extendingDebenhams would increase the potential forbars/restaurants and small scale retailing which wouldreinforce the cultural/leisure focus of the area. Theproposals allow for a substantial extension of the store’strading floorspace, whilst opening up its frontage ontoGoodland Gardens and the River Tone.Contemporary theatre building on riverfront68 Areas of Change - Tangier & Cultural CoreSection 4Taunton UDF