Firepool Brownfield Regeneration Development Agreement - Taunton

Taunton Council seeks a development partner for the Firepool site, a major brownfield regeneration project in Taunton town centre, Somerset. The 6.5-hectare site is strategically located between Taunton Railway Station and the River Tone, offering excellent transport links and significant regeneration potential. The Council will enter into a Development Agreement with a preferred partner to deliver a high-quality mixed-use scheme that aligns with established strategic objectives. Key requirements include: delivering a mixed-use development that supports Taunton Garden Town principles with strong placemaking, public realm improvements, and sustainable transport; maximizing housing delivery; creating complementary commercial and economic uses that support town centre vitality; incorporating zero-carbon design principles; demonstrating social value contributions; commencing development at pace to catalyze wider area regeneration; and ensuring commercial viability while balancing Council risk and reward. The development must respond to local context, prioritize public open spaces and connectivity between the town centre and station, and promote sustainable travel. Developers and partners with experience in large-scale mixed-use brownfield regeneration, sustainable design, and placemaking are encouraged to engage. The procurement will emphasize programme certainty, phasing strategy, and design quality as key conditions.