The public are being asked to share their views on newly developed plans to transform Bridgwater Docks.
The project is one of 11 schemes that fall under the umbrella of Bridgwater Town Deal that received £23.2million to regenerate and modernise Bridgwater town centre.
The Bridgwater Docks project includes new active travel (walking and cycling) routes which will extend across a new swing bridge at Newton Lock. The marina facility will be modernised and berths increased to create new residential and leisure opportunities. Lighting will be improved along with landscaping.
The public consultation opens today (Monday) and runs until 14 September. To take part please complete the questionnaire.
The vision is to make the Docks a place people want to visit, enjoy and experience a part of Bridgwater’s industrial history.
There will also be opportunities to engage directly with the team via two events: a webinar session via Microsoft Teams on Thursday 28 August from 5.50-7pm; and at a drop-in at Victoria Park Community Centre, Victoria Park Drive, Bridgwater on Saturday 13 September between noon and 4pm. Full details and the Teams link are in the questionnaire
The consultation follows an earlier one in 2023 and will build on the information gathered from the public at that time.
Somerset Council appointed built environment specialists WSP as design consultants for the ambitious scheme. They are now launching a consultation for local businesses and residents to share their views and help shape the design and support any necessary planning applications.
Councillor Mike Rigby, Executive Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning and Assets, said:
“I would encourage people to get involved and have their say, either via the online consultation or at one of the events.
“In the past the Docks were the commercial heartbeat of the town, and we hope that this project will help to breathe new life into the area to provide a sustainable future that supports new commercial investment, improves the local environment and respects the needs of the many and varied users including local residents.”
Paul Moore, Chair of Bridgwater Town Deal Board, said:
“The Docks are part of the history of Bridgwater and have been languishing in a sorry state. This Town Deal scheme hopes to kick start the process of becoming a heritage destination which becomes a building block for the long-term regeneration of the Docks area.”
Key next steps for the project will include securing planning permission for the development, with the aim of moving into project delivery next year.
Bridgwater Docks were constructed between 1837 and 1841 to facilitate trade and were a key part of the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal extension. The Docks were used for commercial purposes until the 1970s and were then converted into a marina in the 1980s.
The site lies within the Bridgwater Central Area & Dock Conservation Area. The Docks area retains many historically significant buildings, including original warehouses, wharf structures, the Grade II listed Harbour Master’s House, and 19th-century industrial storage buildings.
