Nexus 25, Taunton’s new Junction 25 development unveiled at business launch
2nd March, 2017Taunton’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: commercial@summerfield.co.uk