Taunton celebrated a significant moment on July 11 with the grand opening of its newest public space—the civic square at Orchard Grove. Situated on Egremont Road near the western entrance to the Orchard Grove housing estate, this vibrant new square was unveiled amidst a lively ceremony attended by hundreds of local residents.
The Orchard Grove development, a collaborative effort between Taylor Wimpey, Bovis Homes, Linden Homes, and LiveWest, is set to be home to 2,000 new houses on Taunton’s western edge, bordered by the A38 Wellington Road and Honiton Road. Alongside homes, the project includes plans for a primary school, commercial spaces, a care home, a park-and-ride facility, and a neighbourhood centre featuring shops and community amenities.
The newly opened civic square boasts tree-lined pathways, a distinctive carved bench, and spacious open areas designed to host public events. It sits prominently at the top of Egremont Road, connected via new walkways to the nearby park and bus facility.
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The opening ceremony was led by Taunton and Wellington MP Gideon Amos, a local resident and architect, alongside dignitaries including Sheila Wheeler, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Somerset; Somerset Council members Dawn Johnson, Habib Farbahi, and John Hunt; and Jon and Imogen Ball from Orchard Grove Church.
Celebrations were family-focused, with nature-inspired activities such as wildlife mask making, bug hotel decorating, and nature-themed crafts for children. Visitors enjoyed giant garden games like Connect 4, and free wildflower seed packets were distributed to encourage local biodiversity.
Live entertainment came from West Country singer-songwriter Rue and the MAD Community CIC dance group. Refreshments, hosted by Luxe Lolly Company and Malton’s Drinks Company, included complimentary ice lollies and drinks for the first 100 attendees. Amica Care, operator of the upcoming Greenlands Meadow care home near the estate, engaged guests with crafts, face painting, a lucky dip toy giveaway, and free cake.
Joanna Barraclough, Regional Sales and Marketing Director at Vistry (part of the Orchard Grove consortium), said: “The opening of the civic square marks a fantastic milestone for Orchard Grove. It’s the first dedicated public gathering space within the development, and seeing so many people come together to celebrate was truly heartening. This square will become the heart of the community, a place where residents can meet, relax, and enjoy for years to come. It exemplifies our commitment to building sustainable and integrated spaces that foster vibrant community life.”
MP Gideon Amos expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “As an architect, I understand the power of thoughtfully designed public spaces to bring people together. The civic square is a brilliant addition to Orchard Grove, and I was proud to join residents in marking its opening. Local leaders, including the church and councillors Dawn Johnson and Habib Farbahi, continue striving to secure the best facilities for this growing community. I will champion the needs of Taunton’s newest neighbourhood and look forward to seeing this square flourish as a central hub for local life.”
Currently, construction is underway on 209 homes adjacent to Egremont Road in the estate’s western neighbourhood. Further plans for 117 homes near Higher Comeytrowe Farm Lane are under review, with decisions expected by Christmas. Additionally, the approval process for Hortsbridge Park, a nearby green space featuring allotments, an amphitheatre, and a children’s play area, is imminent.
The opening of the civic square not only enhances Orchard Grove’s amenities but signals the ongoing evolution of Taunton’s newest neighbourhood into a thriving, community-focused environment.