Plans to transform Bridgwater Docks and safeguard its heritage are moving forward after planning consent was granted by Somerset Council.
The proposals form part of the Bridgwater Vision, encouraging tourism and economic opportunities as well as improving civic pride in the town and delivering an improved Active Travel route.
The North Area Planning Committee approved the change of use of the Docks to introduce residential and leisure moorings as well as new secure entrances and pontoons, creation of an active travel route, removal of the modern Newton Lock swing bridge and replacing it with a new swing bridge, repairs to the bascule bridge, landscaping and public realm works and engineering works in the basin.
Councillor Mike Rigby, Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning and Assets, said:
We are looking to enhance a key landmark of the town, and to help safeguard its important heritage that is fundamental to the interpretation of the industrial history of the town.
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.
Our vision is to make the Docks a place people want to visit, enjoy and experience a part of Bridgwater’s industrial history.
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 scheme includes proposed seating areas, interpretation boards and a glazed viewing case to the bascule bridge lifting gear. Pontoons will be reinstated and refurbished to provide 23 residential and 10 leisure moorings. Security entrances will be provided for boat users along with equipment for servicing and safety.
Bridgwater Docks were opened in 1841 and remained operational until 1971. They are currently out of use and a permanent lock separates the tidal Basin from the River Parrett.
The proposals were strongly supported by Bridgwater Town Council as they will lead to the restoration of a very important part of Bridgwater’s industrial heritage.
New active travel (walking and cycling) routes will extend across a new swing bridge at Newton Lock. Lighting will be improved along with landscaping.
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 and 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.
