Golden Deal for Gadd at Firepool
A massive step has been taken towards delivering the most important development which will shape Taunton’s future. The Firepool area holds the key to the new prosperity which has been planned through the vision process.
Abbey Manor Developments invested in this project some six years ago and after extensive negotiations, they are delighted to announce that they have selected the Gadd Group as their development partner. The Gadd Group are the leading construction and residential company in the Taunton area. The exchange of agreements marks the beginning of a development of houses and offices on the vacant area situated between the railway and the canal, in all approximately 14 acres.
The Abbey Manor Group, who own the site, are a specialist regeneration company, with a wide range of property interests in both the commercial and residential sector, throughout Southern England.
Commenting on their choice of joint venture partner for the Firepool Lock scheme, Nigel Timmis, Managing Director of the Abbey Manor Group said “We recognise in the Gadd Group a strong and innovative team. Gadd Construct offers quality construction experience, whilst Gadd Homes are an enviable land procurement and sales management force; together the Gadd Group offers us just the values we were looking for in a partner for this exciting project.”
“Stephen Major, Gadd Group’s Director of Planning and Design has played a key role in the planning of this development. Gadd have been instrumental in defining the design concept for this site, that is inspired and ‘looking to the future’, which has undoubtedly added value to this project.”
Architects Stride Treglown, based in Bristol, have been working closely with the Abbey Manor Group and Gadd Group to design a scheme that embraces the future vision of Taunton, whilst incorporating a respect for the industrial heritage of the site.
Dominic Eaton of Stride Treglown Architects explained “This residential site will provide a prestigious development of townhouses and apartments in a new and exciting mixed use quarter of the town, and will have a positive impact on the skyline of Taunton. The materials chosen for this design reflect the areas industrial history, with floating and cascading roofs to add a refined edge and lightness.”
“The site enjoys a fantastic south facing aspect. Balconies and terraces have been designed to maximise the views across the Canal and towards the town, with the larger buildings positioned to the rear of the site to ensure as many of the properties as possible enjoy the view. The integral courtyard provides a unique, calm space with the use of warm, soft materials such as timber, and the whole site interacts with the canal side walkway.”
Andrew Gadd, Group Chairman commented “We are delighted to be working with Abbey Manor on this prestigious project, the first of many which will significantly enhance the town centre. Securing this project further underpins our core strategy of being recognised as a premier regional construction group based on strong relationships with our clients. With our expertise in construction and sales, we are looking forward to developing a long term working partnership with the team.”
Plans of the scheme will formally be submitted for detailed planning approval in June, with building works due to commence in Autumn 2007.