PASSENGERS from Wellington and West Somerset are being asked to give their views on a proposed transport hub being delivered on the former Taunton bus station site.

Somerset Council is using a £2.7 million Government grant to replace the redundant Tower Street facility, which closed in 2020, with a new transport hub for buses and coaches as part of its multi-year bus service improvement plan (BSIP).

The council held a consultation last summer and expects construction to start later this year to allow the hub to be up and running before next spring.

Now, Taunton Town Council is asking people for views on some key elements of the project, including a new waiting room, with a further drop-in event being held on June 4.

Under the current proposals, the hub will include six ‘drive in, drive out’ bus stops, each with their own shelter, meaning buses will not have to reverse into Tower Street after they have picked up passengers.

Two coach stops will also be provided along Castle Way, near Mecca Bingo, providing an interchange for passengers between the local bus network and nationwide coach journeys.

There will be five layover bays, where local buses can be parked when not in service to prevent them clogging up the town centre.

The hub will have real-time information boards for passengers, an indoor waiting room with toilets, and a Changing Places toilet facility with a dedicated accessible parking bay.

Outside the building will be a pedestrianised area with outdoor seating and planting, with bicycle parking and new pedestrian crossings to link the site with Goodlands Gardens and other active travel routes.

The town council is considering taking on one or both of the former bus station buildings at no additional purchase cost to local taxpayers, and is asking for feedback on how they should be used.

Improvements will be funded through grants and contributions from housing developers, rather than another drastic rise in council tax bills.

Town council leader Tom Deakin said: “We know the former bus station site is something residents feel strongly about.

“Somerset Council’s consultation confirmed this and we are keen to work with them to make the most of the space available, providing not only transport-related spaces, but adding value for residents.

“What we do not want is to just presume to know best.

“We hear so many wonderful suggestions, but with space limited, a consultation will help us to understand the real priorities.

“We are asking residents to have their say, complete the consultation, tell us whether a shop or repair café, a community room or a share library would be most important to you.

“Help us to shape Taunton’s future.”

A drop-in event allowing people to express their views in person will be held in Taunton Library, in Paul Street, on Wednesday, June 4, between 3 pm and 6.30 pm.

Anybody unable to attend can complete the town council’s online survey by visiting its website or calling 01823 793637 by June 8.