Developer Summerfield has confirmed that work to create a new £2.9m base for Taunton Deane Borough Council (TDBC)’s Direct Labour Organisation (DLO) is on target at its Somerset business park Westpark 26.
Taunton Deane Borough Council commissioned the purpose-built facilities, which occupy a 1.93 acre (17,500 sq ft) site, in order to relocate the existing depot, releasing the site for economic redevelopment. The DLO team of 160 staff will move from the depot’s current outdated base at Priory Way, Taunton, to the new premises by the end of the year.
Construction work to create the facility started in the late spring; the steel frame is now up, and the cladding fixed ready for fitting out. When complete, the facility will offer a bespoke warehouse, workshops, offices, including a mezzanine area all totaling 5,000 sq ft, and a large yard that suits the specific needs of the DLO. The new DLO base will be situated in the western section of Summerfield’s 40-acre business park, which is strategically located just off Junction 26 of the M5 at Chelston, Wellington.
Taunton Deane Borough Council’s site at Westpark 26 is one of a number of developments under way, or recently completed, at the thriving hub for the region’s business community. A new terrace of 14 commercial units has already seen 12 units snapped up, with many of the plots reserved off-plan.
Chris Winter, Chief Executive at Summerfield, commented: “Summerfield’s vision for Westpark 26 was always that the site would become a hub for enterprise and activity across a variety of sectors. The presence of the DLO, along with the new occupiers for Block A and the new hospital, will help to bring this vision to fruition. These major projects are paving the way for ongoing development at the site which continues to offer opportunities for businesses seeking first-rate space that enjoys a strategic location close to the M5 at the heart of the West Country.”
Ben Trickey, Divisional Director at Summerfield, added: “Work to create Taunton Deane Borough Council’s new base for its DLO has progressed apace at Westpark 26, and it won’t be long before we welcome the DLO to the diverse business community here at Chelston.”
Cllr John Williams, Council Leader at TDBC, said: “The DLO’s new purpose-built facility at Westpark 26 is quickly taking shape and we look forward to the completion of this significant asset for the Council which replaces outdated and outmoded existing accommodation.
“Summerfield has created a bespoke design for the facility that will help improve the operational efficiency of the DLO, and provide a better quality work environment. The progress of the scheme, along with the overall pace of development at Westpark 26, is an encouraging pointer to role the business park is playing in the creation of business and employment opportunities in the region. It is also significant to note this relocation allows us to sell the existing site to Helston Garages Group, with impressive redevelopment plans. So further adding to our economic development in the Borough.”
