'BOOM town Taunton' was celebrating a triple boost in 2005 - with the promise of some 300 new jobs.
The big announcement that Taunton had won the race for a £multi-million regional fire control centre followed expansion plans by two national retailers.
Debenhams had already created more than 100 posts in the town in the past 16 months, with more in the pipeline.
And Asda had just received the go-ahead to develop its store in Creechbarrow Road, bringing more than 100 positions to the town.
Work was set to start on the fire and rescue control centre - on three acres at Blackbrook Business Park - once planning permission was granted.
Now, looking back, we know that while some jobs were created during the construction of the site, none were created after builders left the site.
The creation of a regional centre never happened and the building still lies empty.
However, last month, your County Gazette reported how the building could - finally - be put to good use, with a planning application being submitted that would see it turned into a diagnostic centre and administration hub for the Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.
Let's hope, 15 years from now, we are looking back at how Taunton's white elephant became a successful facility to help keep people healthy...
NEVER USED: The empty Fire Control Centre at Blackbrook Business Park, Taunton
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