Taunton’s new strategic employment site at Junction 25 of the M5 was unveiled at a business launch today.
The event, held at the Holiday Inn off Junction 25, introduced the new Nexus 25 business development.
Designed as a ‘green campus,’ the site is part of a range of plans developed by Taunton Deane Borough Council to support Taunton’s economic growth up to 2028 and is seen as vital to support the ambitious growth plans.
Nexus 25 will provide a range of flexible premises including areas for research and development, health, education, and digital technology alongside high quality office space, light industrial units and warehouses. Given Taunton’s pivotal location in the South West, the development will also have capacity for regional HQ buildings.
Taunton Deane has commissioned Peter Brett Associates to prepare a Local Development Order (LDO) to set out the design principles and site-specific criteria that the development must meet to speed up the planning process. If successful, go ahead for the plans could be granted in August 2017.
Councillor Mark Edwards, Deputy Leader of Taunton Deane Borough Council and Executive member for Business Development said: “Nexus 25 is ideally positioned to show Taunton is connected for business. The strategic employment site will enable the high quality jobs so crucial for Taunton and the South West’s future growth and to help address the fact that we are a low paid/low wage economy.
“The development represents a significant opportunity to bring new business and investment to Taunton in a unique environment that supports innovation, collaboration and productivity.”
The proposals are being prepared by Taunton Deane Borough Council in consultation with a team drawn from the public and private sectors.
Councillor David Hall, Deputy Leader of Somerset County Council and Cabinet Member for Business, Inward Investment and Policy said: “This is a huge step forward in unlocking further economic opportunities in Taunton, Somerset and beyond. We are working closely with Taunton Deane and partners to improve transport links and encourage inward investment, putting Somerset firmly on the map.”
Chair of the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (HotSW) Steve Hindley CBE DL said: “We fully support a strategic site for Taunton and we recognise its regional importance in encouraging enterprise and meeting demand for employment space, skills development and creating new jobs. We will be working closely with Taunton Deane Borough Council and other development partners to help develop this vision through to delivery.”
The 25 hectare site is approximately 2.5 miles from Taunton’s town centre, to the south east of Junction 25. Somerset County Council has brought forward plans to improve Junction 25. The work to improve Junction 25 and the A358 is being undertaken by Somerset County Council and Highways England and will include access to the site. Existing Park and Ride services as well as pedestrian and cycle routes will link the site to the town centre.
There will be a full consultation on the Local Development Order in May 2017 ahead of submission to the Council in June 2017 when further consultation will be undertaken. The LDO could be adopted in August 2017.
Businesses interested in more information on the mixed use site should contact Summerfield Developments Ltd.