Somerset Council is set to spend nearly £37,000 on security services to safeguard a block of currently vacant council flats in Taunton, according to recently published tender documents.
The Duke Street block comprises 36 flats that housed council tenants until autumn 2025. At that time, residents were relocated to enable the council to undertake complex repairs to the building’s pipework. However, almost a year later, the full scope of the work necessary to make the flats habitable again is still being assessed.
In the meantime, the council has been exploring alternative uses for the empty flats. A post on LinkedIn, since removed, from Screen Somerset - the council’s film and television promotion unit - revealed the flats were being marketed as a potential filming location to generate income. The block was described as “a three-storey mid-1960s block of flats in an urban town centre setting.”
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Tender documents show that Somerset Council awarded a contract valued at £36,960 to W4G Fire & Security Ltd, based in Exeter, to provide security services for the property. The contract, which involves erecting fencing around the building, is scheduled to run from 26 June 2026 until 31 March 2027. This timing suggests that major repair works on the block may not commence until after this period, assuming the contract is not extended.
Currently, the flats are secured with fencing similar to that used in other local regeneration schemes, such as the North Taunton Woolaway project. The security contract details remain limited but underline the council’s commitment to protecting the site until decisions regarding its future use are finalised.
A council spokesperson commented:
“The Duke Street flats were affected by serious problems with concealed pipework, which could not be repaired while residents remained in occupation and our priority was their safety.
As a result, residents were provided with temporary alternative accommodation between late-summer and December 2025.
We are continuing to assess the full extent of works required and considering whether additional repairs and improvements should also be carried out while the building is vacant.
The intention remains to understand the best long-term solution for the block and its residents.
We remain committed to keeping residents informed about progress on the Duke Street project and will continue to update them as plans develop.”
Regarding the possibility of filming, the spokesperson clarified there is currently no planned activity:
“While the building is empty, we are exploring a range of ways to make responsible use of vacant assets. As part of this work, some external areas of Duke Street, such as the roof, walkways and stairwells, have been identified as locations that could potentially be of interest to film and television productions.
No filming has been agreed and there is currently no estimate of any potential income. Any requests would be considered on their individual merits and, importantly, the council would engage with tenants before granting permission for filming activities at the site.”
Updates on the redevelopment of the Duke Street flats are anticipated to be discussed at the council’s tenants strategic group meetings, which take place monthly.