Somerset Council has announced that it has improved access to Taunton station’s car park, and for buses to collect rail passengers directly from the station.

The newly-operational scheme links the station car park and the Firepool regeneration area with Taunton’s road network, and includes cycling provision and bus services.

Firepool is the result of a multi-million-pound regeneration of the town’s transport hub, and incorporates the Digital Innovation Centre, which cost eleven million pounds to build, and the station’s multi-storey car park.

It can now be accessed more easily by cyclists, pedestrians and bus services, which will use the new stops from 12 June.

Somerset Council, Great Western Railway and Network Rail worked together on the project, which received funding from the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership, Department for Transport, and Somerset Council.

Councillor Mike Rigby, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Digital, said,“I’m really pleased this project, which is vital for future growth and economic development in Taunton and across Somerset, has been completed on time and on budget,

“It’s crucial we have easy accessibility to the Firepool development via public transport, and for cyclists and pedestrians. This is about more than just access to the station car park and development, it’s about having a transport hub on the doorstep of the Digital Innovation Centre and other potential new businesses.

“We want to ensure people have a proper choice to cycle, walk or use public transport when accessing the station or Firepool site as part of our wider vision for a greener future and Taunton’s Garden Town status.”

GWR Business Development Portfolio Director, Tom Pierpoint, said: “We’re delighted this final phase for the car park is almost complete and customers can now start using the correct entrance.

“It’ll be another week before buses start using the bus lane and station bus stop but it really does feel like we’re nearing the final piece of the jigsaw in terms of this multi-million-pound station regeneration project.”

Karl Tucker, Chair of the Heart of the South West LEP, added: “I’m really pleased to see the completion of this project, which is vital for future growth and economic development in Taunton and across Somerset. The scheme will offer improved accessibility and greener transport options, fostering a more sustainable future for the area.”