A FLAGSHIP regeneration project in Taunton town centre will be finally completed by the end of May.

Somerset West and Taunton Council has invested more than £13 million in regenerating the Coal Orchard site on the riverside, providing a mix of apartments, retail outlets and restaurants with a new river-front plaza near the Brewhouse Theatre.

Construction work began on the project in August 2019, but has been subject to numerous delays as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The council has now confirmed its intention to finish the project in its entirety by May, with the first flats being on the market by Easter.

It has also pledged to continue supporting the theatre as the move out of national lockdown gathers momentum.

Councillor Marcus Kravis, portfolio holder for asset management and economic development, gave an update on the Coal Orchard scheme to a virtual full council meeting on Tuesday evening (February 23).

He said in his written report: “Work continues on the project, with significant progress made on all of the buildings.

“Work has started on the riverside steps, a vital part of the public realm and flood mitigation measures.

READ MORE: Work progressing at Coal Orchard site in Taunton
READ MORE: Completion date of Coal Orchard redevelopment in Taunton put back due to Covid-19

“The revised programme is now to complete all three blocks and the public realm for May 2021, subject to any delays from the third period of lockdown.

“Scaffolding will start to come down on Block E (nearest to the Brewhouse) in late-February. The first show flat is due to open by Easter.

“Commercial space is being actively marketed, with terms agreed with the first tenant, who will take occupation as soon as the build allows.”

The council gave assurances in September 2020 that the scheme was on budget despite the pandemic, with no further funding being committed in its capital budget.

Somerset County Gazette:
DEVELOPMENT: How Coal Orchard could look once complete

Speaking at the time, council leader Federica Smith-Roberts said there had been “strong interest” from the market in both the residential and commercial aspects of the scheme.

The Taunton Theatre Association – which runs the Brewhouse Theatre – received just over £194,000 from the government’s cultural recovery fund, allowing it to operate at a reduced capacity for the next six months.

Councillor Benet Allen, portfolio holder for communications and culture, said the council would continue to support the theatre in the months ahead.

He said in his written report: “The budget includes approval for continued support of the Brewhouse in 2021/22.”