A “FORGOTTEN corner” of Bridgwater has been transformed with the building of 33 new homes – including in a former library headquarters and register office.

The buildings, Somerset County Council’s former library base, in Mount Street, had lain empty for a number of years until being sold off in 2019 with an asking price of £450,000 by Greenslade Taylor Hunt (GTH).

Now, developer Axeus Homes has unveiled a “unique collection” of properties which it says have “breathed new life into a forgotten corner” of the town.

“The site offered the rare opportunity to purchase and redevelop a property close to Bridgwater town centre,” said Graham Ford, partner in GTH’s Development Land and Planning Department, who sold the site on behalf of the council.

“Many of the buildings lent themselves to conversion to residential.”

The potential was identified by Bridgwater-based Axeus, who undertook a sympathetic restoration of the Grade II listed old library building, alongside a range of modern apartments and homes.

The development – 33 homes – is made up of two- and three-bed properties. Picture: GTH

“As developers, we want to have control over the entire planning and design process right through to the exceptional high-quality build and finish of all our homes,” said construction director at Axeus, Naeem Arif.

“Our aim has always been to design our own development schemes and not use or inherit some other designer’s scheme. This ensures each development is unique and full of character resulting in each home being spacious with thoughtfully designed floorplan.”

The location, within walking distance of the town centre and the Northgate Yard leisure complex, is now one of Bridgwater’s most desirable addresses, Mr Ford said.

“It’s a really good example of a brown field site being successfully re-developed,” he added.

Re-named Morgan’s Quarter – after the former Dr Morgan’s Grammar School, which occupied the site until its move in the late 1930s – the evelopment features communal electric vehicle charging points and secure bicycle storage areas.

The 33 new homes are made up of two- and three-bedroom apartments and houses. GTH’s property management arm is now responsible for the day-to-day running of the site.