Taunton residents are invited to celebrate the official opening of a brand-new civic square within the expansive Orchard Grove housing development. This milestone event, scheduled for Saturday, July 11, will offer free ice creams to the first 100 attendees as part of a family-friendly community festival.
Orchard Grove, a major new housing estate situated between A38 Wellington Road in Comeytrowe and Honiton Road near Trull, is being developed by the Orchard Grove Consortium, which includes Taylor Wimpey, Bovis Homes, Linden Homes, and LiveWest. The development will eventually provide 2,000 homes for the area.
To date, significant infrastructure has been established on the site, including a newly built primary school and a convenient ‘park and bus’ facility to support sustainable travel. Currently, construction is underway on commercial premises and a 68-bed care home near the western entrance to the estate.
READ MORE: Somerset Bingo Hall Where The Beatles Performed Placed on ‘At Risk’ List
READ MORE: Man Rescued After Leg Injury on South West Coast Path
The newly completed civic square, located off Egremont Road at the heart of the development, is designed as a central community hub for residents to gather and enjoy outdoor activities. The opening ceremony will run from 11 am to 2 pm, featuring a host of activities such as children’s nature-themed crafts, free seed packets for planting at home, giant garden games, and live performances by a local community choir. Refreshments will be available for purchase, with the added bonus of free ice creams or hot drinks for the first 100 visitors.
Further development is underway with the construction of 209 new homes in the ‘western neighbourhood’ along Egremont Road, following a recent approval from Somerset Council’s planning committee. Additionally, plans for another 117 homes near Higher Comeytrowe Farm Lane are currently pending a decision expected by Christmas.
Looking ahead, approval is anticipated soon for Hortsbridge Park, to be located north of Egremont Road close to the Lipe Hill Lane active travel link. The park will potentially feature allotments, an amphitheater, and a large children’s play area, enhancing the lifestyle options for Orchard Grove residents.
This civic square opening marks a significant step in creating a vibrant, connected community within Taunton’s growing Orchard Grove estate.