The Statistics

Somerset's County Capital
Heart of the South West of England

	What is the 'Town Centre Partnership'? See how civic pride extends in all our activities. click here
	Who's involved in the 'Town Centre Partnership'? Take a look at those that contribute to the Partnership success. click here
	How do I contact the partnership team? Business or pleasure we endeavour to help all enquiries. click here

Taunton Town Centre Vitality and Viability Through Statistics

There have been many studies made by local and county councils in the aim to plan effectively and to stay in line with what is actually happening. But what do the general statistics say about Taunton Town Centre and the County of Somerset.

The range of retail services such as banks and building societies has still been maintained, continuing to reflect Taunton's role as a County town and sub-regional centre.

The number of service units and proportion of space within the town centre has stayed within the UK-wide national trends and there is future developments on the way (see The Future part of our website).

Taunton is also a strong location for comparison goods, in fact it has strengthened in the gift shops sector and the men's/boys wear sector but has weakened in the catalogue store and women's clothing sector. But even with Internet purchases and mail order increases in the catalogue store and women's clothing sector, Taunton still maintains a healthy level of such retailers.

During 1999 the turnover of durable goods was an estimated £283m for Taunton Town Centre and the town continues to maintain a healthy level. In 2000 retailers reported stable trading conditions and the majority reported improved turnover in 2000 despite the year being affected by Foot and Mouth.

But our track record will go from strength to strength because Taunton will be going through some major developments to improve, even further, Taunton Town Centre's Vitality and Viability.

If you would like further information concerning any data about Taunton Town Centre or Taunton Deane please visit our Research Tools section. Alternatively contact Taunton Deane Borough Council or contact the following departments direct for business and development planning:

Economic Development and Regeneration Unit
The Deane House
Belvedere Road
Taunton
Somerset TA1 1HE
Tel: + 44 (0)1823 356485/ 356486/356489
Fax: + 44 (0)1823 356444
E-mail: click here

Forward Plan Unit
The Deane House
Belvedere Road
Taunton
Somerset TA1 1HE
Tel: + 44 (0)1823 356484
Fax: + 44 (0)1823 356444
E-mail: click here

What Others Have To Say About Taunton

Taunton is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. Its role as a focal point for business and services will be enhanced.
Regional Planning Guidance gives a new role to Taunton as one of the region's Principal Urban Areas where growth will be concentrated. Taunton's central location and role as an administrative centre already makes it an important location for service industries in the south west. Although modest in size, the town has seen considerable growth in recent years. Regional Planning Guidance sees opportunities for the town to continue as a focal point and for it to have a wider range of new jobs and business.

:: Taunton Statistic Contacts

	South West Intelligence Database
	An expanding on-line library of information about South West England set up by the South West Observatory to help promote the use of evidence in the region's policy making, and is also a resource for business, schools, students and the general public. It contains both narrative and numerical data.
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	Somerset Facts & Figures
	Somerset Facts and Figures presents a selection of the information held by the Research & Information Unit in Somerset County Council. It aims to provide answers to the most frequent enquiries received by the Unit.
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	South West Observatory
	Is a partnership of regional bodies to share the production, analysis and dissemination of intelligence and research related to regional policy in the South West of England. The South West Observatory is made up of five thematic modules, seven local intelligence networks and a coordinating core unit.
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	Taunton & District Civic Society
	This society has an interesting website dedicated to Taunton Deane and has some interesting articles, pictures, facts and general information about Taunton. It is run by local residents and gives a fair picture of their community.
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