Bridgwater councillors 'concerned' over Northgate Docks delays

The docks, which form the northern terminus of the historic Bridgwater and Taunton Canal, was earmarked for a £5.2m regeneration as part of the £23.2m Bridgwater town deal.

A drop-in event was held in December 2023, allowing local residents to give their views on how the docks and the surrounding area could be revitalised.

But since then there has been limited progress on delivering any improvements to the area – and there are under two years’ left to spend all the town deal funding.

The issue was raised at a meeting of the council’s harbour management advisory committee in Taunton on Monday afternoon (July 31).

“The docks are an incredible asset to the town and need revitalising.” (Image: Daniel Mumby)

Captain Jessica Tyson, the acting Bridgwater harbour-master,  said: “I did look to get an update on this from one of Somerset Council’s project officers, but unfortunately I haven’t had any reply to date.

“As far as I know, the project was continuing. I don’t have an official update from anyone who’s within the project team.”

Councillor Leigh Redman (whose Bridgwater North and Central division borders the docks) said the committee would benefit from an official briefing on the status of the project.

Mr Redman – who also sits on Bridgwater Town Council – said: “Plans are moving forward; however, there are still issues between the council and the Canal and River Trust over legal agreements to be made in relation to the docks itself.

“Until that has been concluded, the project cannot move forward.

“The plans are being prepared so we’re ready to go, but there has been this minor inconvenience.”

The Canal and River Trust, which manages the canal, is expected to begin work in late-August to secure and repair a key section between the Albert Street and West Street bridges, which has been closed since December 2021.

Once this section reopens in late-October, it will be much easier for residents to use the full canal tow-path for both commuting and leisure, using the new Celebration Mile from the docks to reach the town centre.

Councillor Tim Mander at the docks. (Image: Tim Mander)

Speaking after the meeting, town councillor Tim Mander said he would be pressing Somerset Council to publish its vision for the site and start work as soon as humanly possible.

He said: “As chairman of the town council’s amenities committee, and its lead member for the Bridgwater Docks, I am increasingly concerned at what appears to be delays in the management of the docks project.

“I have therefore asked Scott Mason, our director of amenities, to write to Somerset Council for an urgent update on where we are with the project and a timeline for the project moving forward.

“The total budget for this project is £5.2m, and it is essential that this money is committed and spent by March 2026.

“The docks are an incredible asset to the town and need revitalising. We must not lose this opportunity.”

The Bridgwater town deal website provides some details of the £5.2m project, of which £4.2m will be spent directly on the grade two listed docks and the remaining £1m on walking and cycling improvements in the immediate vicinity.

A spokesman said: “Imagine a future where the Bridgwater Docks area is a vibrant hub of activity, seamlessly blending its rich, old-world maritime heritage with attractive modern-day charm.

“The revival of this heritage asset will establish Bridgwater Docks as a destination feature in the heart of the town – making it not only an attractive place to live, work and play but also enhancing its appeal to people across Bridgwater, Somerset and beyond.

“Dockside residents who have been relocated to temporary moorings will be able to return to an improved dock, boasting 40 residential mooring spaces in addition to 26 moorings reserved for leisure.

“Residents and visitors alike will benefit from the improved facilities and increased capacity for leisure amenities and activities.

“These could include enjoying charming waterfront cafés or participating in pursuits such as paddle-boarding and canoeing, as well as benefiting from community spaces that inspire connection.

“A new shared bridge over the canal will provide easy access to the town centre and the adjacent Northgate Yard.

“This will lead to employment growth and easier access to job opportunities for locals, helping to alleviate the economic pressure of the past few years.

“The aspiration is that all members of the community will have an opportunity to thrive thanks to the area’s improved investment and growth potential.

“This multi-million-pound transformation will restore historic buildings and infrastructure to preserve our rich heritage, while reconnecting and re-energising the town, creating a vibrant community space where the people of Bridgwater can come together and thrive.”