THERE'S going to be plenty of fun at a new development off Taunton town centre tomorrow (Saturday, November 5).

The multi-million pound Coal Orchard development is being officially opened at a ceremony at 11am.

The scheme features riverside living, shops, work and leisure space and is being opened by Taunton Mayor Cllr Sue Lees and Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) chairman Cllr Hazel Prior-Sankey and leader Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts.

Members of the public will be able to join in the event and see the development, which incorporates a grand plaza with a stepped terrace to make the most of its position beside the River Tone.

Taunton Brewhouse will be providing live music and entertainment, including face painting and circus skills workshops, with wandering performers related to its Christmas production - a circus musical extravaganza titled The Little Prince.

Somerset County Cricket Club and its mascot Stumpy will be greeting visitors and playing some fun cricket-themed inflatable games throughout the launch.

GoCreate Taunton will be holding art and craft workshops for children, and there will be an artwork display by chainsaw artist Matthew Crabb, from West Somerset, who is currently working on an exciting new sculpture for SWT to be unveiled soon.

SWT is in the process of developing a car club pilot that aims to deliver eco-friendly shared transport in the heart of Taunton.

Its project partner, Co Cars, will be at the Coal Orchard event to showcase the electric cars that will be available to hire via the scheme, which is expected to go live by the end of the year.

The Coal Orchard development retains the character of the unique town centre location in the Cultural Quarter while enhancing the environment.

There is a 42-space short stay car park for shoppers and dedicated secure bicycle storage for people living in the apartments.

Cllr Smith-Roberts said: “I am excited to see this ambitious development come to fruition and would like to thank everyone involved in the project, which has been delivered during some of the most challenging times for our country and the construction industry.

“We have created a stunning development celebrating Coal Orchard’s heritage while raising design quality with modern building and green initiatives.

“It is fabulous to be able to invite the public to begin enjoying this waterfront development which puts the river Tone at the heart of Taunton.”