DO these images represent what you'd like to see built on the site of the former Taunton livestock market?

You've got just over a week left to air your views on proposals for the massive Firepool site, which has been vacant since January 2008 when the market relocated to North Petherton.

Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) is running a consultation on its draft masterplan for a multi-million pound riverside redevelopment off Priory Bridge Road.

You can have your say HERE - but be quick as the survey closes on January 2, 15 years after the council-owned site was abandoned.

An SWT spokesperson said: "The draft masterplan proposes an ambitious mixed use scheme designed to support revitalisation and regeneration of the town centre, informed by engagement with key stakeholders, evidenced studies and consideration by the council’s quality review panel."

The draft masterplan features a residential-led development comprising of:

  • Approximately 430 homes with a mix of apartments, town houses and student flats;
  • A commercial/leisure quarter potentially capable of accommodating multi-purpose venue, hotel, cinema, bowling alley, limited commercial/retail floorspace, health hub and nursery;
  • Accommodation and integration of the already consented innovation centre and 'Block 3' office and restaurant proposals;
  • A central boulevard linking from the station to the river with onward connections to the town centre incorporating sustainable urban drainage, tree planting and high quality public realm including an amphitheatre fronting the River Tone;
  • An improved and future-proofed walking and cycling connection along National Cycle Network route 3 on the north bank of the River Tone as well as other connections internal to the site;
  • Sustainability features including centralised cycle hub containing secure cycle storage, low traffic neighbourhood design and energy centre for potential heat network delivery;
  • Re-provision of the existing boat club;
  • Open space and play areas integrated into wider public realm and green infrastructure.

Work is currently being carried out to raised the ground levels at Firepool, while drainage infrastructure on the site is being diverted to reduce the risk of flooding.

The scheme, being carried out by Montel Civil Engineering, includes the removal of existing obstructions above and below ground and also features the construction of sewer networks and surface water infrastructure, together with groundworks to lift most of the site out of the flood plain.