Somerset Council has announced that the long-awaited new transport hub in Taunton town centre is poised to move forward, with construction expected to start by January 2026. This marks a significant milestone following the closure of the previous Tower Street bus station in March 2020.
With £2.7 million secured from the Department for Transport as part of the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), the council aims to replace the outdated facility with a modern, passenger-focused hub. Initial consultations took place in summer 2024, and the town council will review further proposals in June 2025, specifically focusing on repurposing existing buildings on the site for community use.
Tender documents recently published online reveal the full scope of the project. The new hub will feature six “drive in, drive out” bus stops, each with shelters, allowing buses to enter and leave without reversing onto Tower Street, enhancing safety and efficiency. Additionally, two coach stops will be positioned along Castle Way near Mecca Bingo, providing seamless interchange opportunities between local buses and nationwide coach services.
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To reduce congestion, five layover bays will accommodate buses when not in active service. Passenger amenities include real-time information displays, an indoor waiting room with toilets, a changing places facility, and a dedicated accessible parking bay. Outside, a pedestrianised plaza will offer seating, landscaping, bicycle parking, and improved pedestrian crossings linking the hub to Goodlands Gardens and other active travel routes.
According to the tender documents, the project aligns with Somerset Council’s broader BSIP goals of enhancing mobility and delivering long-term benefits for the Taunton area, anticipating future population growth.
The town council may take stewardship of one or both former bus station buildings with no additional purchase cost to taxpayers. They are seeking community input on how these spaces could best be utilized. Notably, the site once hosted NHS Somerset’s COVID-19 vaccination centre, highlighting its potential for flexible community uses.
Funding for further improvements, particularly for waiting room enhancements, will primarily come from external grants and contributions from housing developers, ensuring no significant increase to local council tax.
The contract for construction is expected to span up to six months from November 2025, though a December or January 2026 start is considered more likely pending final negotiations and approvals. A council spokesperson emphasized that the tender documents accurately reflect the council’s vision and that successful procurement will pave the way for the project start.