THE Taunton skyline has seen a few notable changes over the last ten years, including the demolition of the 1960s tower block Quantock House.

The former Government offices on Paul Street, Taunton, were demolished in the last few months of 2017, making way for a care development from Platinum Skies.

Before falling vacant and being bought by Quantum Group developers in 2015, the premises housed Government agencies including the Valuation Office and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Pictures from November 2017 show contractors gradually knocking down the disused property. It has been replaced by a nine-storey, 60-bed care home and 61 extra care home units.

The first residents had been expected to move in by mid-2019, but building work was delayed and the new "landmark" flats for those over 55 didn't see the first residents move in until January 2022.

Quantock House development, which offers views over Vivary Park to the Blackdown Hills and the Quantock Hills tucked behind Taunton Minster, features 36 one-bedroom apartments and 53 two-bedroom homes, over a residents' car park.

Speaking in 2022, Jes Gill senior relationship manager for the developer Affordable Housing and Healthcare, said the scheme offers people over 55 a "whole lifestyle".

Mr Gill said: "There are big, wide open spaces making everywhere accessible and lots of windows letting in light.

"Our residents can be completely independent. We're offering a whole lifestyle.

"There are plenty of communal facilities and on-site activities for the residents to enhance their retirement."

Quantock House's first resident Ian MacKenzie, moved at age 77 from a large detached home in Somerset.

He told the Gazette shortly after moving in: "I was living there all on my own, I came and had a look at this complex and thought, 'That's just what I need'.

"It seems to be exactly right for me and I've made lots of good friends here."