NOW'S your chance to have your say on how £5.2million should be spent to transform Bridgwater Docks.

Businesses and communities are being invited to give their input into proposals to restore and regenerate the historic docks as part of the government’s Levelling Up programme to transform the town centre.

The first of a series of free public consultations takes place on Wednesday (December 13) at Bridgwater Sea Cadets Hall, in Seaward Drive, from 3.30pm to 6.30pm.

As one of 101 towns nationwide chosen to receive backing from the government’s Towns Fund, Bridgwater has secured £23.2million for 11 levelling up projects that form the Bridgwater Town Deal.

The aim is to create a vibrant and welcoming town centre by revitalising its social, cultural and economic offerings and unlocking future growth by resolving traffic congestion and protecting the area from tidal flooding.

Cllr Ros Wyke, Somerset Council’s lead member for economic development, planning and assets, said: “The regeneration of Bridgwater is an energising and welcome initiative for Somerset.

"£5.2million of 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.

"Together these provide an excellent opportunity to establish a new and exciting destination feature in the heart of the town, creating better facilities for residents, increased capacity for leisure activities and improved connectivity across the town and county as a whole.”

Paul Moore, chairman of the Bridgwater Town Deal board, said: “We are delighted to announce the first of Bridgwater Town Deal’s consultations on December 13 and invite the community to feed into the proposals for the long-awaited rejuvenation of Bridgwater, its historic docks and wider improvements to the way we travel across and around the town.

"The session will be a great opportunity to meet the project team, engage with the proposals right from the start and offer a local community perspective to this project.

"I encourage as many people as possible to join and I look forward to seeing you there.”

Funding for the restoration of Bridgwater Docks and the active travel element of the project has been awarded by the government and does not affect Somerset Council’s financial emergency.

The money can only be spent on this specific project and cannot be used for services that Somerset Council delivers. The council will not be making a financial contribution to the initiative.

*THE 11 Bridgwater Town Deal projects are:

  • Tidal Barrier: Major infrastructure project that will protect Bridgwater town centre from flooding, unlocking housing and employment growth.
  • Dunball Junction: Regional infrastructure project that will reduce congestion, enabling the continued growth and regeneration of the town.
  • Walking and Cycling: Improved walking and cycling routes to boost sustainable travel options, connecting key employment and leisure areas.
  • Celebration Mile: Improvements to public realm in order to open new places and spaces within the town centre and boost the local cultural events programme.
  • Restoration of the Docks: Restoration of the historic docks quarter to create a vibrant new leisure and tourism destination.
  • Arts Centre: Enhancing the facilities and improving accessibility at this historic Grade I listed building to support local artists and cultural events.
  • Town Hall Theatre: Transforming this central cultural facility and providing inclusive access to office and meeting spaces for community and social enterprises.
  • Engine Room 2.0: Increased capacity for community media centre, engaging people with digital art and media-enhancing skills.
  • Bridgwater ‘Step up’: Flexible business and enterprise support hub, including creative ‘pop-up’ and ‘taster-event’ space and support.
  • Bridgwater Carnival: Development of Carnival workshop space to future-proof and enhance Carnival events.
  • Town Wardens/Event Ambassadors: A friendly, visible presence within the town centre to connect local residents and businesses, and to reduce anti-social behaviour in the town, building confidence for visitors.