Plans for the regeneration of Bridgwater’s historic docks to move forward
The scheme to transform Bridgwater Docks has taken a step forward with Somerset Council’s appointment of design consultants for the project.
The project is one of 11 falling under the umbrella of the Bridgwater Town Deal that received £23.2m 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, which form the northern terminus of the historic Bridgwater and Taunton Canal. The marina facility will be modernised and berths increased to create opportunities for leisure.
The government has underscored the delivery of the scheme with £5.2m allocated from the Towns Fund Deal.
Somerset Council has now appointed international built environment specialists WSP as design consultants for the scheme. WSP, which has offices in Bristol, Cheltenham, Exeter and Truro, will undertake consultations with local businesses and residents so they can provide views that will help shape the design and support any necessary planning applications.
The council’s lead member for economic development, planning and assets, Cllr Mike Rigby, said: “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 place of leisure activity which becomes a building block for the long-term regeneration of the docks area.”
Key next steps for the project will include detailed public consultation, securing planning permission for the development and moving into project delivery throughout this financial year.
