The Priorswood Community Centre was converted as a children and families facility from two shops in Priorswood Place, which had been empty for some time. In March 1997 Taunton Deane Council agreed to rent the premises to the North Taunton 2000 Partnership, originally formed in December 1995. Although the Parents’ Project was occupying the Centre from mid-1997, it had its official opening in September 1998. Around this time the Partnership became a registered charity and the name was changed to remove the date.
Funding was gained from Children in Need to help fund the structural conversion which included installing children’s toilet facilities. Furniture, carpet, paint and equipment were all donated and local residents, project staff and councillors got together to decorate the newly-plastered walls.
After the Centre was no longer needed as a children’s and parents’ centre, the Community Centre became much more available for all residents of North Taunton and in 2010 there was a second major change to the Centre premises with a complete refurbishment to make a larger community space resulting in the Community Centre as we know it today
Another major milestone in the Centre’s life was the transformation of the patch of grass outside the Community Centre. It was felt that a path was needed from the car park to the Community Centre and the hairdressers, as the slopes were a cause for concern for many elderly residents. In 2012 Taunton Deane Borough Council were approached to gain permission to add a path - enthusiasm got the better of everyone concerned and the decision was made that perhaps as a fitting tribute to the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, we would create a community garden. Many months of consultation and searching for grants followed until everything was in place and work started. The grassy area was transformed into a beautiful community garden for all to enjoy.
We have also had many other achievements for the local area such as the purchase of seats for Lyngford Park, smoking bins and handrails for the slopes in Priorswood Place, as well as local campaigning for better facilities and services.
