Could Taunton’s Weir Village become home to a trendy container mall?
Taunton city planners have given the green light for a shipping container–based retail plaza at the former Bacon Felt factory site on West Water Street, Weir Village. The vision? A vibrant hub featuring container boutiques, cafés, an amphitheatre, brewery, bike and kayak rentals—all intended to inject fresh energy into the waterfront area.
📦 Urbanism with a Twist
Developer Joseph Holdiman of RCSI Property LLC has pledged a clever rebuild:
- 20 repurposed shipping containers fashioned into retail and food units.
- A 200-seat amphitheatre for live music, performances and community events.
- Public conveniences and a custom container-constructed brewery or distillery.
- Outdoor market space, communal lawn, and rental services for river activities.
The design embodies “holistic urbanism”—affordable, eco-conscious, modular and community-focused.
🏭 From Industrial Relic to Community Beacon
The long-vacant Bacon Felt site, spanning nearly four acres, was purchased by the city for just $1 through its Marketable Properties Program. With most original mill structures demolished, the cleared land offers a blank canvas.
Holdiman stated the aim is to open next summer, transforming the site into a destination featuring shops, entertainment, and outdoor recreation—all anchored in the riverfront’s renewed vitality.
🌟 Local Support & Big Plans
- Mayor Shaunna O’Connell and the OECD have backed the scheme as a key aspect of Weir Village’s renaissance
- Nine businesses are already onboard, including a coffee spot, candy shop, dumplings and burger stall, and a yoga studio.
- The development also ties into wider plans for riverfront upgrades, new EV chargers, green spaces, and better public amenities .
“It’s all about people coming down here and having a great time.”
— Joseph Holdiman, RCSI Property LLC
Local entrepreneurs, creatives, or event organisers—this could be your moment! Keep an eye out for RFPs and site tours, and get involved in shaping Taunton’s container-powered future.
