THE building which formerly housed Taunton Bus Station is now fully owned by the council - confirming previous rumours.

Somerset West and Taunton Council has confirmed it purchased the remaining part of the building from First Bus Group in March.

The authority has not revealed how much it spent when purchasing the remainder of the site, stating commercial sensitivity.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Somerset West and Taunton Council has owned the majority of the site as part of the wider adjoining land holding.

“It completed the purchase of the remaining part of the Taunton Bus Depot site from First Bus Group on March 27.

“The purchase was agreed following First Bus Group declaration that the site was surplus to their operational requirements as part of their reorganisation to a kerb side operation.

“The council received valuation advice from the Valuation Office Agency as part of the acquisition process.”

In December last year it was revealed the bus station would be put up for sale, and it ceased use as a transport hub on March 27.

The bus stops have now been dotted around the town centre, and work is being done to improve the transport links around the town.

Bosses from First frequently attend virtual council meetings to discuss the latest measures.

The council has also recently purchased the nearby Gaumont Threate, which is currently leased to Mecca Bingo.

It was confirmed that £2.1million was spent on the investment deal of that iconic town-centre building.

But for now - Taunton residents will have to wait and see what happens to the future of another large town centre building as no plans are yet in the public domain.

A spokesperson for the council added: "The cost of the bus station is currently commercially sensitive information.

"The cost will be reported in the future as part of the council’s public accounting procedures.

"The council is currently considering the long term future of the site.

"In the short term, the council and the bus operators will be discussing arrangements for public transport in the town centre in the light of the current Covid-19 situation."