TAUNTON’S river and canal network could be enhanced in the coming years under a new strategy produced by Somerset Council.

The Taunton waterways strategy identifies a number of projects which could regenerate the town’s waterways and riverside areas, improving the appearance of the town and making the area more accessible for both residents and visitors.

The council has prioritised a number of ‘quick wins’ which could be delivered in the coming years – including the delivery of the Firepool boulevard, a possible cycle link along Priory Bridge Road and the conversion of the former pump-house at Firepool Lock for commercial use.

A public consultation on the proposals will be held in the autumn, with the final strategy being adopted by the council shortly after Christmas.

The strategy covers the River Tone from Silk Mills to Ruishton and the M5, along with the river’s tributaries and the southern end of the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal.

Like the emerging Somerset Local Plan and the Taunton Garden Town design guide, it is designed to set a standard for future development along Taunton’s waterways – especially on vacant brownfield sites like the former Tangier gasworks and the Firepool site.

The strategy will see to a deliver a “linear water park concept” for the town centre, showing how each individual section of the river and canal can be enhanced to improve access and encourage greater leisure and commercial use.

Similar concepts will be produced to enhance the various River Tone tributaries (such as the Norton Brook and the Sherford Stream), as well as identifying where biodiversity can be improved and access between the different green spaces along the river can be enhanced (for instance, through through new walking and cycling infrastructure).

The strategy includes a number of joint projects with other public sector bodies, such as the Environment Agency (EA), which are designed to deliver strategic benefits to the town – such as flood prevention.

These projects include:

  • Optimising water storage at Longrun Meadow, preserving more of the green space while protecting homes and businesses downstream
  • Reducing “constriction within the Mill Stream through Goodlands Gardens – including raising the footbridge to the planned new transport hub
  • Making improvements to French Weir and Firepool Weir

The strategy additionally identifies a number of ‘quick wins’, which can be delivered relatively speedily at a comparatively low cost.

These ‘quick wins’ include:

  • Installing “floating business units” near the Coal Orchard site, providing  affordable space for small businesses
  • Delivering the Firepool boulevard and associated public art along the route between the river and the railway station
  • Developing plans to increase recreational use of the canal
  • Improving walking and cycling routes in the French Weir area – including either upgrading or replacing the Marshallsea bridge

The SRA stated in November 2023 that neither of these schemes would get under way until late-2024 due to administrative delays.

A public consultation on the new strategy is expected to be held between October 1 and November 11, with details being published nearer the time.

The final strategy is expected to be approved by the council’s executive committee by early-2025.