Somerset Council is seeking feedback from bus passengers and local residents on the exciting new transport hub planned for Taunton town centre. With a £2.7 million grant from the Department for Transport (DfT), the old Tower Street bus station—closed since March 2020—will be transformed into a modern transport hub as part of the council’s multi-year Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).
Following an initial public consultation in summer 2024, construction is slated to begin later this year, with the goal of opening the hub by spring 2026. Taunton Town Council is now inviting the public to share their views on key features of the scheme, including a new indoor waiting room. To facilitate this, a drop-in event will take place on June 4.
The planned facility will feature six ‘drive-in, drive-out’ bus stops, each equipped with a shelter to ensure buses can pick up passengers safely without reversing onto Tower Street. Additionally, two coach stops will be located along Castle Way near Mecca Bingo, creating an interchange for local and nationwide coach passengers.
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To improve traffic flow, five layover bays will be available for local buses to wait when not in active service, keeping the town centre clear. The hub will also offer real-time information boards, an indoor waiting room with accessible toilets, and a changing places toilet facility with a dedicated parking bay for disabled users.
Outside, the hub will provide a pedestrianised area with seating, landscaped planting, secure bicycle parking, and new pedestrian crossings connecting the site to Goodlands Gardens and existing active travel routes.
Taunton Town Council is also exploring options to repurpose one or both of the former bus station buildings—offered at no additional cost to taxpayers—and is eager to hear residents’ opinions on their future use. Past uses of these buildings include serving as an NHS vaccination centre during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Funding for enhancements will come from external grants and contributions from housing developers, ensuring no significant increase in local council tax.
Council leader Tom Deakin emphasized the importance of community input: “We know that the former bus station site is something our residents feel strongly about. Our consultation confirmed this, and we want to work together to maximize the space’s value, not just for transport but for the community too.
“We don’t want to presume what’s best; with limited space, it’s vital to understand real priorities. We invite residents to tell us whether they would prefer a shop, repair café, community room, share library, or other uses. Help us shape the future of Taunton.”
Residents can attend the drop-in event at Taunton Library on Paul Street on Wednesday, June 4 from 3 pm to 6:30 pm. Those unable to attend are encouraged to complete the online survey by June 8 at www.taunton-tc.gov.uk/the-council/governance-democracy/public-consultations or call 01823 793637.