Somerset Council and partners are delivering a £3.2 million Transport Hub on the old bus station site in Taunton and work starts next week.
The new Government-funded facility will serve as a vital hub for bus services serving Taunton and across the county. The project is a joint initiative between Somerset Council and Taunton Town Council.
The aim is to have the site operational by the end of 2026.
The Council’s contractor D R Jones Ltd starts Monday 9 March on preparing the site.
The scheme will refurbish and upgrade the existing buildings and will include:
- A new bus operational layout with eight bus stops, including 2 in Castle Way.
- Modern bus shelters with solar power, seating and protection from the weather.
- Real time digital displays on bus timings and connections.
- A waiting room and toilet.
- Cycle shelters, parking and cycle repair stand with tools.
- Disabled and taxi parking bays.
- Public realm area with planting and seating and a wider pavement to Castle Green.
- Central rain gardens with attractive planting to manage rainwater run-off.
Taunton Town Council is looking at further proposals in time which may include refreshments and enhanced toilet facilities.
There is a drop in for the public at Wyndham Hall in Taunton, TA1 4AD, adjacent to the site, on Wednesday 18 March from 3.30pm to 7pm, where you can find out more about the facility and meet the contractor and Council team.
Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Waste Services, Councillor Richard Wilkins, said:
The Transport Hub is a key part of our Bus Service Improvement Plan for Taunton and Somerset.
We want to make bus travel more attractive for people so that it is a genuine alternative to travelling by car to work, college or for a day out. By providing clean, warm waiting facilities, somewhere safe to leave your bike, buggy or scooter, and real time information on bus times we are making it easier for people to make that choice.
Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning and Assets, Councillor Mike Rigby, added:
This will be a busy, well-designed and highly functional new gateway to Taunton with pleasant public spaces and good connectivity to the town centre.
This has been a bit of an eyesore for a while and it’s fantastic that we have got this funding to transform not just the building but this area of Taunton. We want to ensure visitors’ first impression of our County town is a positive one, and that the hub complements its historic heart.
Planning a journey on public transport? Visit the Council’s Think Travel portal.
