Coal Orchard (Urban regeneration)

Lavigne Lonsdale won the commission by Taunton Dean Borough Council to design an important and very sensitive 0.7ha site in the heart of the historic quarter of Taunton next to the River Tone. The site formed a key component of the towns “Vision” to connect derelict and under-utilised river frontage sites back to the town centre.

The scheme includes a mix of cafes, restaurants, small retail, flexible offices and apartments overlooking the river and next to the existing Brewhouse theatre. The layout repairs the damaged historic grain and reinforces the pedestrian and cycle movement from the town centre to the river.

Lavigne Lonsdale secured both Outline and Reserved Matters Consent for both masterplanning, architecture (alongside AHR) and landscape over a four year period. The scheme is now under construction and LL are providing a technical role to the Local Authority on the architectural components whilst also carrying out the public realm scheme. The scheme is due for completion in May 2021.