Scope
Reference
EPRO1000245 or ERFX1002260
Description
In October 2021, Somerset County Council published the Somerset Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). The plan sets out how Somerset Council will work together with local bus service operators and other key stakeholders to deliver radically improved bus services and growth in bus use as part of a wider integrated sustainable transport network.
Stakeholder engagement showed that since Taunton bus station closed, users have been unhappy about the current provision of bus stops and bus provision. In response, the BSIP aims for a more extensive and frequent network of services alongside improved infrastructure and coordination between bus services and other modes. The BSIP also sets out an objective for a comfortable network with improved facilities to ensure a more compelling and safe waiting environment for passengers.
This project, to reinstall the bus station in Taunton as a Transport Hub, falls under part of Somerset Council's BSIP program to improve bus services in the region.
The most important function of the Transport Hub will be to provide solutions to the mobility needs of its users. However, there are a wide variety of functions that the Council will seek to introduce to the Hub to create positive benefits in the wider area and to future proof the site for population growth. To support the DfT's strategic objectives, the vision is for the new Hub in Taunton to include:
• Mobility Services;
• Mobility Infrastructure;
• Traveller facilities;
• Place-making functions;
• Commercial functions;
• Community Functions; and
• Operational Resources
Within this central aim, the project seeks to incorporate the Department for Transport's (DfT's) wider strategic objectives, which are:
• Grow the Economy:
• Improve connectivity into and within Taunton;
• Improve Transport for the User: making user journeys and experiences of travelling in and around Taunton more positive;
• Reduce Environmental Impacts: Bringing a range of services into the Hub will help the drive towards Net Zero targets by reducing the number of journeys around the region
The vision supports a range of different transport modes and people, with the focus being pedestrians and wheelchair users all the way to taxi services. Whilst recognising the central role of the Hub as a transport interchange, putting people first is at the heart of the new Hub designs. Focussing on a human-centred approach means that the Hub design can offer people, rather than vehicles, a welcoming and helpful environment. Additionally, the historic nature of the site means there is a drive to create something that fits in with the surrounding area, and this is better done through a human-centric approach than a vehicle-centric approach.
Contract 1. Taunton Transport Hub
Supplier
Contract value
- £1,964,017.09 excluding VAT
- £2,356,820.51 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Date signed
5 March 2026
Contract dates
- 22 March 2026 to 22 August 2026
- 5 months, 1 day
Main procurement category
Works
CPV classifications
- 45000000 - Construction work
Contract locations
- UKK23 - Somerset
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Supplier
D R JONES YEOVIL LTD.
- Companies House: 02877463
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVVC-9833-HHJZ
Willow House, Artillery Road, Lufton Trading Estate
Yeovil
BA22 8RP
United Kingdom
Region: UKK23 - Somerset
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Taunton Transport Hub
Contracting authority
Somerset Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PPGC-1434-MQPJ
County Hall, The Crescent
Taunton
TA1 4DY
United Kingdom
Email: commercialandprocurement@somerset.gov.uk
Website: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/
Region: UKK23 - Somerset
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government