Work is now underway to create a ‘Park and Bus’ transport hub at the new Orchard Grove development. This new purpose-built transport zone will include over 300 parking spaces, electric vehicle charging points, cycle shelter, and a dedicated bus lane and bus shelter to connect the community to the public transport network.

The new facility sits on the western edge of the development and runs parallel to the A38, leading directly onto the new roundabout junction. This location will ensure quick and easy access into Taunton and around the wider local area. The Park and Bus hub will feed into the local bus network, providing more options for local travel and encouraging uptake of sustainable transport.

The plans will see the creation of 310 parking spaces, including dedicated disabled bays. There will initially be eight electric vehicle charging points, including two within disabled parking bays. There is the capacity to increase the number of EV charging points over time. The chargers will be supplied by Somerset West & Taunton Council.

A central component of the new facility is the connection to the local bus network, and it will benefit from a bus lane and covered bus shelter. Once adopted by Somerset County Council, confirmation of the new or existing bus services that will link to the Park and Bus site will follow.

Extensive landscaping around the Park and Bus area will create green zones, forming a natural barrier between the A38, the development’s employment area, and any homes. Hedges, shrubs, grasses, perennial and herbaceous plants will all be included in the landscaping, to help it blend into the local environment and meet the development’s commitment to ecology.

Starting work on this new facility is a brilliant beginning to the year and shows the progress we are making in bringing the vision for this development to life. It is another step forward in creating a modern and well-connected new community, giving current and future residents access to sustainable travel options, and creating better travel links into and around Taunton.