Work is due to start on a highly anticipated Somerset County Council led project to deliver a £6 million boost to West Somerset.

The development, at Mart Road, Minehead, will deliver modern workspaces for businesses, a 110-space car park, and will provide the popular West Somerset Railway with a turntable on which to manoeuvre its famous trains. There will be a public viewing area so people can watch the steam trains, along with a café and retail opportunities. The scheme also includes the facility for different events to be held at the site, such as Farmer’s Markets and Trade Fairs.

The project funded by Somerset County Council, South West of England Regional Development Agency (RDA), European Regional Development Fund and West Somerset Railway, gained overwhelming support from local residents and businesses.

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It aims to support the expansion of the West Somerset economy by providing jobs, encouraging investment and boosting tourism. The first phase, including turntable, is due for completion in June 2008.

Councillor Alvin Horsfall, Somerset County Council’s Portfolio-Holder for Economic Development, said: "Somerset County Council has been delighted with the level of public interest and participation in this project, and the Council put a great deal of effort into ensuring that the design will provide what the local community wants. It is satisfying to reach this important milestone and I look forward to it opening in July next year."

The South West RDA has invested in the project as part of its support for market and coastal towns, which often have vulnerable economies. David Rees, development manager at the South West RDA, said: "We have made a substantial investment in this project because it will help create a more vibrant economy for Minehead, by providing new high quality workspace for small and medium companies, including start-up's."

(JM)