Have your say as historic Bridgwater Docks receives £5.2m of investment as part of town centre transformation

Bridgwater businesses and communities are invited to have their say and input into exciting 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 will take place on Wednesday, 13 December at the Bridgwater Sea Cadets Hall, Seaward Drive, Bridgwater, TA6 3FJ, from 3:30pm-6:30pm, and all are welcome to attend. Further consultations will be held as the project progresses; the events are free of charge and booking is not required. 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.

Bridgwater Town Deal Projects:

The eleven 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.