THE completion date of a multi-million pound development in the centre of Taunton has been put back for a second time.

The Coal Orchard scheme was due to be finished by the end of May, but work is still underway at the riverside site.

The previous deadline of February was also missed.

Midas Construction, which is carrying out the work on behalf of Somerset West and Taunton Council, has put the delays down to Covid restrictions and the current nationwide shortage of building materials.

A final completion date for the project, which started in August 2019, has not been given.

The development will feature a mix of apartments, shops, restaurants and work space, along with a new river-front plaza with a stepped terrace to the River Tone.

Mike Borkowski, business development director at Midas Construction, said work had been carried out with SWT to “minimise the challenges of Covid-19 in the last 14 months”, leading to a “re-programming of works” to enable social distancing.

He added: “We have made fantastic progress despite these challenges and are proud to be starting the completion process with the quality of the scheme maintained within budget.

“Commercial marketing of the retail, workspace and hospitality has resulted in several expressions of interest from local and national companies, with some pre-let agreements already entered into with businesses looking to expand their operations and their profile in Taunton’s prime town centre location.”

Meanwhile, SWT has teamed up with estate agent Connells to market the one and two-bedroom apartments - anyone interested in the homes or the commercial units can view details at riversidecoalorchard.co.uk.

ROOM WITH A VIEW: Inside the Coal Orchard flats as work continues

ROOM WITH A VIEW: Inside the Coal Orchard flats as work continues

Cllr Marcus Kravis, SWT executive member for economic development, said: “Marketing of our residential properties marks a significant milestone in the regeneration of Coal Orchard which will bring new vitality to this area in the heart of Taunton.

“We have already received strong interest in this unique location through our commercial and residential agents and are confident that people will like what they see in the show home.”

Paul Matthews, new homes board of management partner at Connells, said: “We are delighted to be working with SWT on the residential sales for this superb new development in the heart of Taunton.

“We are certain that these prestigious homes with fabulous views will attract interest from buyers not just locally but from across the country and are excited to bring them to the market.”

The development will feature electric vehicle charge points, while a car share club pilot is being considered.