Over 40 property professionals have gathered at Taunton’s newly refurbished office complex Tangier Central for an event to discuss regeneration in Somerset.
Organised by Tangier Central agent Hatfield White on behalf of RICS Somerset, the two-hour CPD event included keynote speaker Brendan Cleere, Director for Growth and Development at Taunton Deane Borough Council and West Somerset Council.
Focusing on the Government’s recent award of Garden Town status to Taunton, Brendan discussed what this status means for the town and the regeneration and growth opportunities arising from it. Brendan emphasised the connection between thriving urban centres and green space and the wider business benefits of creating a well-designed and high quality place.
Members of the team behind the project to redevelop Tangier Central also addressed delegates. Co-agents for the development Nigel Hatfield, Director at Hatfield White, and Andrew Hardwick, Director at Williams Gunter Hardwick, explained how the two buildings on Taunton’s Castle Street were redeveloped in a £1.5m scheme to become a contemporary office complex.
Rupert Robinson, Director at interior design company Environments for Business, and colleague Rosie Brown, Business Development Manager, discussed the practical challenges of refurbishing the Castle Street buildings, which were built in the 1990s.
The event included a tour of 1 Tangier Central, which is still being developed, followed by a tour of the newly completed 2 Tangier Central. A lively panel style discussion about the challenges and opportunities involved with regeneration in Somerset brought the evening to a close.
Nigel Hatfield, Director at Hatfield White, comments: “We’d like to thank everyone who participated in the event. It was wonderful to see such a good turnout and hear the speakers share some fascinating insights into the process of regeneration with regards to Tangier Central, Taunton and Somerset more broadly.
“These are exciting times for Taunton. Its status as a Garden Town means enhanced resources to further develop a strong sense of place and identity, while there are no fewer than four major sites earmarked for regeneration across the town and its environs.
“Local, regional and national businesses are increasingly looking to Taunton as a base for expansion. We’re very proud that Tangier Central is helping to facilitate the town’s growth, providing businesses with the quality, value space they need.”
