Bridgwater Town Council has welcomed Somerset Council’s decision to grant planning consent for the long-awaited regeneration of Bridgwater Docks, describing it as an important milestone in securing the future of one of the town’s most significant historic assets.
Councillor Tim Mander, Chair of the Amenities Committee at Bridgwater Town Council said,
“This long-awaited progress is warmly welcomed and will hopefully lead to a brighter future for the historic Bridgwater Docks basin.
“For many years, Bridgwater Town Council has recognised both the importance of Bridgwater’s industrial heritage and the opportunities that a revitalised and refurbished docks can offer the town. We want to see boats returned to the basin and more events and activities, such as the Fallen Moon festival and festive markets, taking place in and around the docks.
“The length of time this process has taken is disappointing and, due to construction price inflation, there is now less money available in real terms to deliver the enhancement project than there would have been when it was first proposed. However, it is important that work can now begin, and I am looking forward to seeing the finished scheme.”
Cllr Brian Smedley, Leader of Bridgwater Town Council added,
“The docks are a forgotten gem in the heart of Somerset and are a key part of Bridgwater’s maritime offer.
“The funding for this project has been allocated for some time, and we now need to get the scheme up and running. It is important that we continue to work closely with partners and the local community to ensure what is delivered reflects local aspirations while safeguarding this key historic asset for future generations.
“This is an opportunity not only to preserve an important part of Bridgwater’s history, but also to create a destination that supports tourism, leisure activities and economic growth for the town.”
Somerset Council’s North Area Planning Committee has approved proposals that will see residential and leisure moorings introduced at the docks, alongside improvements to public spaces, active travel routes, landscaping and heritage features.
The project forms part of the wider Bridgwater Town Deal programme and aims to restore and enhance the docks while creating new opportunities for residents, visitors and businesses. Plans include the refurbishment and reinstatement of pontoons, improvements to access and security for boat users, repairs to the historic bascule bridge, a replacement swing bridge at Newton Lock, and enhanced walking and cycling connections through the area.
Bridgwater Town Council has consistently supported the restoration of the docks and believes the project represents a significant opportunity to celebrate the town’s industrial and maritime heritage while creating a vibrant and sustainable future for this historic waterside location.
Somerset Council news release: Visionary plans for historic Bridgwater Docks approved
Plans to transform Bridgwater Docks and safeguard its heritage are moving forward after planning consent was granted by Somerset Council.
The proposals form part of the Bridgwater Vision, encouraging tourism and economic opportunities as well as improving civic pride in the town and delivering an improved Active Travel route
The North Area Planning Committee approved the change of use of the Docks to introduce residential and leisure moorings as well as new secure entrances and pontoons, creation of an active travel route, removal of the modern Newton Lock swing bridge and replacing it with a new swing bridge, repairs to the bascule bridge, landscaping and public realm works and engineering works in the basin.
“We are looking to enhance a key landmark of the town, and to help safeguard its important heritage that is fundamental to the interpretation of the industrial history of the town” said Councillor Mike Rigby, Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning and Assets.
“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.
“Our vision is to make the Docks a place people want to visit, enjoy and experience a part of Bridgwater’s industrial history.”
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 scheme includes proposed seating areas, interpretation boards and a glazed viewing case to the bascule bridge lifting gear. Pontoons will be reinstated and refurbished to provide 23 residential and 10 leisure moorings. Security entrances will be provided for boat users along with equipment for servicing and safety.
Bridgwater Docks were opened in 1841 and remained operational until 1971. They are currently out of use and a permanent lock separates the tidal Basin from the River Parrett.
The proposals were strongly supported by Bridgwater Town Council as they will lead to the restoration of a very important part of Bridgwater’s industrial heritage.
New active travel (walking and cycling) routes will extend across a new swing bridge at Newton Lock. Lighting will be improved along with landscaping.
Bridgwater Docks were constructed between 1837 and 1841 to facilitate trade and were a key part of the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal extension. The Docks were used for commercial purposes until the 1970s and were then converted into a marina in the 1980s.
The site lies within the Bridgwater Central Area & Dock Conservation Area. The Docks area retains many historically significant buildings, including original warehouses, wharf structures, the Grade II listed Harbour Master’s House, and 19th-century industrial storage buildings.