Published on 1st May 2013
A proposed multi million pound re-development of Taunton Station will improve Taunton's image claims Network Rail.
Talks are currently underway between Network Rail and Somerset County Council to improve Taunton Station and bring it into the 21st century by enhancing it's former 'Great Western' heritage mixed with modern materials such as glass, street furniture, planting and modern buildings.
Taunton Station has the rare accolade of having two entrances thanks to how the station was constructed by the Bristol and Exeter Railway in the 1800's.In 1842 the Bristol & Exeter Railway opened an extension of their mainline from Bridgwater to Taunton the line was later extended to Beambridge and on to Exeter in 1843. The station was built 'double sided' with separate stations (and entrances) for up and down passenger services.
The North side has long been neglected and is in bad need of redevelopment to improve the facilities for passengers using the station. More ticket desks, better parking, transport links, lighting and disabled access are required to bring the station into the 21st century. Inside the station the station roof, glazing and guttering are in bad need of repair. Passengers may not be aware, but although the station is operated by First Great Western, they only care for the station facilities, which is why when you look above the station columns, the paint stops and the roof / glazing is untreated....as the station roof is Network Rail's responsibility! (Another odd 'quirk' of privatisation!).
The former extension to the north side entrance (erected in the 1970's) has hidden the stations former entrance from clear view, it's hoped this will be exposed and used as the main feature of the redevelopment.
