A £3 MILLION refurbishment project in Castle Green, Taunton, was completed a decade ago to the week. 

The work saw a former car park converted into a civic space boasting a raised lawn, trees, and herbaceous borders with seating.

A glass-sided bridge connecting the area with Goodlands Gardens and “to be lit up at night” was also installed as part of the project.

The new-look Castle Green was accessible to the public from September 28, 2012 after the builder's fences came down and workers left the site.

The leader of the former Taunton Deane Council, John Williams, said: “Seeing it come to completion reinforces why the decision was made in the first place.

“It’s going to be a lovely square set in the historic heart of Taunton, showing off the wonderful buildings which surround it.”

Somerset County Gazette: Castle Green has been used for plenty of projects since its refurbishment, including a Taunton Flower Show event in 2021. Picture: Steve RichardsonCastle Green has been used for plenty of projects since its refurbishment, including a Taunton Flower Show event in 2021. Picture: Steve Richardson (Image: Steve Richardson)

Ian Franklin, of Project Taunton, said: “It’s absolutely fantastic. I love it. It’s a connection from the Brewhouse along the river to Castle Green.”

Another councillor, Ian Morrell, described the lack of car parking as “regrettable” but said it could become a town centre social amenity if used “properly”.

The project was funded by the Government and remains bookable for regular and one-off events through Somerset West and Taunton Council, created in 2019.

The old Taunton Deane Council earned around £135,000 in 2010 from the Castle Green car park but said there were plenty of other options, including park and ride schemes.

The Castle Green project complemented the multi-million pound renovation of Taunton Castle and the Museum of Somerset.