Recreate the world's first commercial vertical boat lifts in a fully functioning structure plus visitor centre adjacent to the Silk Mills car park
Lifting visitor numbers in Taunton
Waterside environment provides attractive locations for small businesses and the scheme links visitors to the West Somerset Railway
Lifting business & tourism in Taunton
Our Vision
Use efficient solar powered shuttles to transfer commuters & visitors from Silk Mills car park to central Taunton relieving road congestion.
Lifting sustainable transport in Taunton
Boosting Taunton
To learn more, please fill out the following form
CONTACT
Inquiries
We are The Friends of the Grand Western Canal. Link to our website here or on Logo above.
To make all this happen we need funds! Every little helps and you can show your support for giving Taunton a real LIFT by clicking here for more details or follow the Wonderful button to add your support. Thank you!
The thermometer shows our initial funding target of £35,000 for a full feasibility study to prove what a great scheme Park 'n Glide is and the amount raised to date (£10,500, as at Feb 2020)
Please click on it to add your support.
We also need help with some core skills in publicity, fund-raising and general promotion at shows and events.
Please contact us at
The Secretary
Wharf Cottage, Nynehead, Wellington TA21 0BJ
t.01823-666921 or
Thank you for your interest
Attracting Visitors
The Tourism Alliance estimates that tourism brings almost £10bn to South West businesses. Most of those visitors pass Taunton, either by train or on the M5. A major attraction in Somerset provides an additional reason to visit the South West and a reason to break the journey for those already on the way. These photos show (clockwise): our conceptual model for a reconstructed lift at Silk Mills, the remains of the best preserved of the world's first lifts at Nynehead, an example of a similar lift attraction at Falkirk, and visitors to another section of the Grand Western, attracted by water-side activity. Hover over each photo to learn more and click on them for links.
Sustainable Transport
The one mile journey from Silk Mills Water Station to French Weir takes 15 minutes in a solar-powered electric shuttle, delivering travellers to the centre of Taunton in a carbon-efficient transport process. The dedicated route runs through established beautiful natural surroundings and is designed for a long trouble-free life. It has an added advantage in upgrading and reinforcing the flood defence at the foot of Frieze Hill.
This innovative Park 'n Glide reduces traffic congestion in the west Taunton area and draws visitors into Taunton via an experience available in few other European cities. Bicycle hire at French Weir Park provides the complete sustainable journey around town.
HOW IT WORKS...
Park at Silk Mills
Take stairs or lift to station quay
Board purpose-built solar shuttle
Enjoy relaxing quiet journey to the town centre through glorious contryside
The Silk Mills Park 'n Glide
Giving Taunton a Lift
Boosting Taunton
have other historic transport interests. The Norton Fitzwarren end could be developed as a site dedicated to all forms of industrial, private and agricultural historic transport, creating another 'first' for Taunton.
The Park 'n Glide scheme provides many opportunities for Taunton businesses and other attractions in the South West to grow and create local wealth. Here are some possibilities: hover over the pictures for further information and click on them for links.
