WORK on a major £45m regeneration scheme started in Taunton on Wednesday (September 22).

Representatives from ENGIE and Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) took part in a ground-breaking ceremony for the North Taunton Woolaway Project.

The ceremony took place at the site in Wells Close, Taunton.

The regeneration project will be completed in five phases over ten years at a total cost of £45m – with £8.7m being earmarked for Phase A.

READ MORE: Council approves funding for Woolaway homes project in Taunton

Phase A includes regeneration of five parcels of land with the delivery of 47 new homes. These homes will include 24 houses, four bungalows, 19 apartments and a new community centre.

READ MORE: Demolition of North Taunton Woolaway houses begins “It’s been a very exciting day, marking the start of these works, which form part of the council’s commitment to invest in our housing stock and amenities to deliver a good quality of life for residents and to develop new homes that meet local needs," said cllr Fran Smith, executive member for housing at SWT.

"The works starting here form part of a wider scheme of development under this commitment, which, over the next few years, will see the delivery of 227 new build homes.

"As well as this, there will be a refurbishment of 27 existing council properties through a phased approach, resulting in a net increase of 65 new homes within the overall scheme.”

ENGIE was appointed at the main contractor for Phase A of the scheme in spring 2021.

ENGIE project manager, Shawn Helley, added: “We’re delighted to be starting works on the building of new, high quality homes which will regenerate and transform the estate for local residents.

“The new homes will also be highly energy efficient, with a range of measures being installed to each property including PV panels, triple glazing and air source heat pumps to support both ENGIE and Somerset West and Taunton Council’s net zero submissions.”