May 2023: Click here to download (PDF)
March 2023: Click here to download (PDF)
December 2022: Click here to download (PDF)
November 2022: Click here to download (PDF)
Firepool
MONTEL
Firepool, Taunton
Updates
Information
FAQ
Residents Letters
Updates
May 2024
Our scheme for Somerset Council at the Firepool site in Taunton was completed in late 2023, here is some drone footage that covers the progress of the scheme from start to completion.
May 2023
The site team have now completed most of the on-site drainage works and have commenced earthworks. The Auction House has also been demolished and drainage works within Canal Road have commenced in order to connect the new Innovation Centre drainage outfalls.
In the coming weeks, we will be installing the main sewer diversion within Canal Road, working up to the junction with Priory Bridge Road. We will be using temporary 2-way traffic lights as we progress along the carriageway. Access to and from properties will be maintained, as will access/exit of Canal Road. The works will move progressively, and the traffic and pedestrian management may change daily.
March 2023
The site team are preparing themselves for the demolition of the Auction House which is due to commence imminently, with the mains services being disconnected and the building isolated. Within the next month, the earthworks will commence across the main site which includes the site levels being raised to facilitate the future development.
The temporary diversion to the footpath along the River Tone is no longer in place with the footpath reopening as the site team has completed the installation of the Main Stormwater Outfall Headwall.
The site team are planning to start on the sewer installations within Canal Road in March, the first operation is connecting the Innovation Centre storm and foul sewers across the existing road.
Following on from this, will be the main stormwater diversion which runs along the length of Canal Road. This work will include Traffic Management activities including temporary traffic lights while we progress along Canal Road and into Priory Bridge Road. Access will be maintained for all during this time and we appreciate your patience and co-operation.
February 2023
The work to the regeneration site is progressing well with the installation of foul and storm drainage underway within the site boundary.
The site team have also been busy dismantling the existing boundary railings and security fencing which will be re-erected when the drainage and earthworks are complete. The site is now secured with Heras fencing. A short temporary footpath diversion is being installed next to the Footway/cycleway along the river Tone. Advance signs along the river bank warning of this have been erected. This diversion will enable us to safely install the Main Storm Outfall Headwall which will sit in the existing river bank. In the coming month we should complete the on site drainage works and commence preparations for the Earth-works to raise the site levels. We expect to have the mains services to the Auction House disconnected in this time which will enable us to commence demolition.
December 2022
The temporary welfare and site offices have now been set up and secured with fencing, gates and 24/7 monitored CCTV security, along with a temporary plant and pedestrian accessway within the site boundary.
Over the past few weeks, our Project Manager and the team have been carrying out site investigation works, including the excavation of trial holes to locate existing service utilities and foul and storm drain-age networks which is essential for when we begin the bulk of our works. We have also received bulk deliveries of important materials such as concrete pipes, manhole rings and aggregate ahead of the team commencing drainage works. The drainage works within the site perimeter have now commenced and it is likely this phase will continue through to March.
In the New Year, once we have received confirmation that the mains services to the Auction House have been disconnected, this will be ready for demolition.
Information
Montel Civil Engineering has been engaged by Somerset West and Taunton Council as Principal Contractor for the site infrastructure and enabling works to the former Firepool Cattle Market site. The site, found adjacent to the River Tone and boundaried by Canal Road and Priory Bridge Road (A3038) has been identified as a prime location for future development and the project will include a large amount of remediation and bulk earthworks to prepare the site.
The works will consist of:
- Clearance of the site including existing ground and services within the site
- Full demolition of the Auction House
- Bulk earthworks to create raised plateaus for future site development
- Diverting foul and surface water drainage sewers and undertaking drainage works to install a combined sewer to Canal Road and Priory Bridge Road
- Reinstating the footpath/cycleway and installing lights
Montel are committed to keeping the local community informed with up-to-date information about the progress of the works, and of any activities that may impact the community while we are undertaking the project. This will be undertaken via regular newsletters and by updating our website and social media outlets with information about the progress of the works. We will also be using these outlets to communicate any unscheduled changes to the programme. We encourage the community to get touch with questions about this project.
FAQ
When will the work start and when is completion expected?
Montel will take possession of the site on 7th November and completion is due late Spring 2023.
What are the working hours, and will there be night work?
Works will be undertaken between 07:30am to 17:30pm Monday to Friday. There are currently no night works expected but some Saturday working may be required depending on the requirement of the job.
Will there be a lot of noise, dust and mud and how will this be avoided?
Noise levels are monitored throughout the day and our modern fleet of plant is fitted with effective exhaust silencers to minimise noise and carbon emissions. Acoustic barriers will also be used if necessary. The type of works required should produce minimal dust. Due to the possibility of mud, we will be carrying out regular cleaning of the surrounding roads via a road sweeper when necessary. This is to ensure that the roads are kept as clean as possible at all stages of the infrastructure construction.
Will we be able to continue using the footpath/cycleway?
No, the right of way is being suspended whilst the works are being undertaken to ensure the safety of the public. There will be a diversion route signposted around the perimeter of the site.
Will there be any traffic management put in place and how will this affect my journey?
Before the New Year, all works will be undertaken within the site perimeter. In the New Year, temporary traffic signals will be required to provide safe working areas and traffic control for installation of combined sewer along Canal Road and Priory Bridge Road. Residents in Canal Road will have 8 dedicated parking spaces available, and we aim to maintain vehicular access to the properties during the duration of our works. If there are any changes, we intend to communicate these to residents in advance if able to.
Further information regarding traffic management will be communicated via the Community Liaison Officer as the works progress.
Who do we talk to if we have concerns or questions?
At Montel we have a dedicated Community Relations team to assist local residents with any queries and concerns on all projects we undertake. For this project the point of contact will be Suzanne Wright, who can be contacted at Suzanne.Wright@montel-group.com. In addition to writing directly to local residents and business to keep them informed on the progress of the works, a dedicated project webpage and our Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook pages will also offer regular updates of the project, including, progress reports, images and information on possible disruption to roads.
Residents Letters