Plans to transform Bridgwater Docks have taken an important step forward with Somerset Council’s appointment of design consultants for the project.
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 opportunities for leisure. The government have underscored the delivery of the scheme with £5.2million allocated from the Towns Fund Deal.
Somerset Council has now appointed built environment specialists WSP as design consultants for the ambitious scheme. WSP 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.
Councillor Mike Rigby, Executive Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning and Assets, 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.
