THERE are signs the first shops could soon open on a new multi-million pound waterfront development off Taunton town centre.

Dozens of people attended the official opening of the Coal Orchard scheme beside the River Tone on Saturday (November 5).

The project features riverside living, shops, work and leisure space and was being opened by Taunton Mayor Cllr Sue Lees and Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) chairman Cllr Hazel Prior-Sankey and leader Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts.

Members of the public joined in the event and saw round the development, which incorporates a grand plaza with a stepped terrace to make the most of its position beside the River Tone.

Taunton Brewhouse provided live music and entertainment, including face painting and circus skills workshops, with wandering performers related to its Christmas production - a circus musical extravaganza titled The Little Prince.

Somerset County Cricket Club and its mascot Stumpy greeted visitors and there were some fun games throughout the launch.

GoCreate Taunton held art and craft workshops for children, and there was an artwork display by chainsaw artist Matthew Crabb, from West Somerset, who is currently working on an exciting new sculpture for SWT to be unveiled soon.

 

At least two of the shop units had 'under offer' signs, suggesting tenants could move in shortly.