Taunton Urban Design Framework - Taunton Deane Borough Council

The Taunton VisionNew BusinessesA Learning EnvironmentNew RetailingFirepool will provide the strategic employment site withinthe town centre. This reflects its historic role as theindustrial heart of Taunton. It can attract a range of newbusinesses including government departments/relocationsby virtue of its strategic transport links, and the quality ofits riverfront environment. It is also capable of meetingthe need for high quality town centre apartments to createa truly mixed use living/working environment. Thiscombination of strengths will enable Firepool to attractbars, restaurants and hotel/conference facilities.Tangier will be the focus for new businesses seekingflexible office space, managed workspace and withbusiness support/advice on hand. It will be the creativeheart of the town centre, with links to the cultural core,the training facilities at SCAT, and research at MusgrovePark hospital. It will be a mixed use area, where housingprovision will support the growth of employment at thesefacilities and where the scale of development will reflectthe proximity to the historic area of Castle Green, the riverand Goodland Gardens.The High Street will be the focus for modern retaildevelopment. A major new development will link EastStreet with the High Street, bringing national retailers intoa pedestrianised environment. The links will be extendedinto the Crescent car park where new retailing willreinforce specialist retailing at Bath Place.Debenhams will be encouraged to expand in its currentlocation, front onto the River Tone and strengthen NorthStreet as a retail destination. Bars, restaurants andspecialist retailing will be developed along the riverfront,reinforcing the civic and cultural attractions.The commercial heart of FirepoolOffices and apartments fronting Castle StreetRetail expansionTaunton UDF Section 1 The Taunton Vision9