A GROUP of medical students are set to become the first residents of new apartments on a multi-million pound riverside development in Taunton.

The 11 accommodation units at Coal Orchard will be home to the University of Plymouth's Medical School students training at Musgrove Park Hospital.

They will be working in a series of hospital and GP-based community placements in the 2021-22 academic year.

Somerset West and Taunton Council is leasing the town centre units to the university

Council leader Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts said: “Coal Orchard is an important site in our regeneration plans to bring new vitality to the town centre and I am excited to welcome our first residents to this stunning development.

“These students will be training in our local hospital, playing their part in ensuring the health of our communities and contributing to our economy.

“We have all seen the amazing work carried out by the health service during the pandemic and I am delighted that we are able to make this space available to the university giving our support to the medical professionals of the future.”

Professor Hisham Khalil, head of Peninsula Medical School at the University of Plymouth, said: “As the largest provider of health care training in the South West, the University of Plymouth is proud to be developing the health workforce of tomorrow, and the accommodation provided by Somerset West and Taunton Council will enable our students to complete a vital year in their training.

“Its location means that our medical students can work closely within the hospital and the local community, so we are very grateful for the opportunity.”

In addition to the units leased to the university, residential estate agents Connells have ten sales reservations for apartments across the three apartment blocks.

The Quay will be the first of the three accommodation blocks finished at the Coal Orchard, with The Wharf and the Jetty to follow.

SWT is working with the contractor to ensure sections of the public realm will be opened as soon as they are safely able to allow the benefits of the development with its plaza and stepped terrace to the River Tone available to all.

Potential homeowners and businesses interested in the commercial units on site can find further details by clicking HERE.