Residents and local businesses in Bridgwater are being invited to share their views on plans to regenerate Bridgwater Docks, an area that played a role in the town’s industrial and maritime history. The public consultation runs until 14 September.
The project is part of the Bridgwater Town Deal, which has secured £23.2 million to modernise the town centre. The regeneration scheme will modernise the marina, increase berths and create opportunities for leisure and residential use. Improved lighting, landscaping and new walking and cycling routes across a swing bridge at Newton Lock are also planned. The aim is to make the docks “a place people want to visit, enjoy and experience a part of Bridgwater’s industrial history”.
Somerset Council appointed WSP as design consultants for the project. WSP will consult with residents and local businesses to help shape the design and support planning applications. This consultation follows an earlier engagement in 2023.
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, stated: “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 destination which becomes a building block for the long-term regeneration of the Docks area.”
The public can participate via an online questionnaire or attend one of two events: a webinar on Thursday, 28 August, or a drop-in session at Victoria Park Community Centre on Saturday, 13 September.
Bridgwater Docks was constructed between 1837 and 1841 as part of the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal extension and operated commercially until the 1970s and was converted into a marina in the 1980s. The site lies within the Bridgwater Central Area & Dock Conservation Area and retains historically significant buildings, including the Grade II listed Harbour Master’s House, original warehouses and 19th-century industrial storage buildings.
The docks connect to both the Taunton and Bridgwater Canal and the River Parrett, but are currently non-operational for boating. Access is via town centre roads, with limited parking available for Inland Waterways Association volunteers.
