Taunton station in Somerset is to be redeveloped over the next year, according to plans just released.
The station, which is operated by GWR, services trains from London to Penzance and also CrossCountry trains from Cornwall running up to northern England and Scotland.
GWR has now finalised contracts with construction company John Sisk & Son for the multi-million-pound regeneration scheme. To deliver the scheme, designed to help support the town’s economic development plans, the company is working with Somerset West and Taunton Council and the Heart of South West Local Enterprise Partnership, which is making a £4.6 million contribution from its Local Growth Fund.
Planned improvements will include a new multi-storey car park, additional cycle spaces, a new ticket office and entrance. An enhanced bus and taxi interchange will provide easier access to the town centre and the new £105 million Firepool waterfront community being developed by St Modwen just a short distance away.
Work is expected to begin this summer and be completed in spring 2020, improving the travelling experience for people visiting the town by train – a number that is expected to double over the next 10 years.
Somerset West and Taunton Council chief executive James Hassett commented on the announcement: “The redevelopment of Taunton railway station aligns with our ambitions for growth, and has long been a feature of our town centre regeneration plans. It is an integral part of our intention to link the station to the town centre with upgraded and enhanced pedestrian access along the River Tone through Firepool and the Coal Orchard.
“The provision of multi-storey car parking and public transport facilities is an essential part of the development in planning and investing for the future.”
