More than 100 people turned out to learn more – and have their say – about proposals to restore and regenerate Bridgwater Docks, as part of the government’s Levelling Up programme to transform Bridgwater Town Centre.

The first of a series of public consultations took place on Wednesday, 13 December at the Bridgwater Sea Cadets Hall and around 120 people took the opportunity to meet the project team and share their views on the future of the historic Docks.

Feedback forms are still available and can be collected from Somerset Council’s offices at Bridgwater House. The project team will review the feedback which will help shape plans for the scheme. Further consultations will be held as the project progresses.

Paul Moore, Chair of the Bridgwater Town Deal Board, said:

This is probably one of the most exciting of all the 11Town Deal projects, it’s certainly one of the most technically challenging. This is an opportunity to make this neglected area a useful space once again a destination for visitors and locals alike. Just a short walk from Northgate Yard town centre it has so much potential, thanks to the Towns Fund as part of the Government Levelling Up Programme, we have some money to spend on this upgrade.

A member of the Docks Project team said:

It was fantastic that so many people turned up to the event to learn more about the project and to share their ideas for the future of Bridgwater Docks. In the past the docks was 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.

Bridgwater has been selected as one of 101 towns to receive investment through the government’s Towns Fund scheme as part of its Levelling Up programme.

£23.2m of government funding has been secured to ‘level up’ this beautiful and historical part of the country, through 11 projects which form the Bridgwater Town Deal. The aim: to create a vibrant and welcoming town centre, by revitalising the social, cultural and economic offerings in town centre, as well as unlocking future growth by resolving traffic congestion, and protecting the area from tidal flooding.

The Bridgwater Docks project that also includes new active travel routes has been allocated £5.2m.

Cllr Ros Wyke, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning & Assets, said:

The funding will see the revival of the historic Docks quarter as well as the development of sustainable travel options – particularly in our walking and cycling routes.

It’s heartening to see so many people come along to the consultation and illustrates the enthusiasm of residents and businesses towards the project.

For more information about the Bridgwater Town Deal, visit www.bridgwatertowndeal.co.uk.