Bridgwater Town Councillors agreed unanimously to approve the Business Plan for £5.4million to revitalise Bridgwater Town Hall and adjacent theatre. In a full council meeting on Thursday, 1 August 2024, councillors also approved plans to submit a £3.9million loan application to support the project. New income generation as a result of the revitalising of the Town Hall will cover the repayment of the loan.
Bridgwater Town Hall stands as a landmark with historical and contemporary importance and is an iconic Grade II listed building (List Entry Number:1280140), that has been underutilised and is in long need of refurbishment and improvement.
The building’s outdated features and lack of accessibility prevents members of the public, both local and visiting from delving into its rich cultural legacy.
The Town Hall site has received full planning permission and listed building consent for the entire regeneration project and a significant boost through the Bridgwater Town Deal funding.
Key Upgrades and Enhancements Provided by the Town Deal Funding:
- Auditorium Enhancements: The theatre’s seating, backstage facilities, and rehearsal spaces will undergo significant improvements, ensuring a top-tier experience for both performers and audiences.
- Cutting-Edge Technology: State-of-the-art sound systems and projection capabilities elevate performances, making the theatre a versatile venue for various events.
- Changing Rooms Enhancements: Significant work is underway within the dressing rooms, with increased size of the dressing rooms and eradicating of damp within these rooms and installation of new WC and shower facilities to provide a first-class experience to the various acts and cast members.
- Accessibility: A new lift installation ensures that everyone can access the enriching experiences within the theatre.
Key Upgrades and Enhancements Provided by Other Funding Streams:
- Façade: Deep cleaning of all masonry and required repairs, full repainting of masonry (the white part of the site), repair and repainting of sash windows, replacement of the metal Crittall windows with new timber frames and double glazing in the 1950’s part of the site.
- Climate Measures: Installation of Solar Photovoltaic Cells on the roof and insulation of roof voids and the removal of gas central heating to the site and replacement of electrical heating and hot water supply.
- Opportunity to Create Space: Additional space will be created by the remodelling of existing spaces, in addition there will be further remodelling of dormant offices, corridors, and WC’s.
- The creation of a new Atrium to infill one of the underutilised courtyards and building of an additional conference room near the theatre adds more space and connects all the areas together acting as the central core of the building.
This investment aims to refresh and transform the facility, creating a vibrant hub for arts and culture.
This refurbishment and investment provides opportunities, and the Town Council recognises it has a responsibility to take advantage of this investment and use it to unlock economic growth for the High Street, bring the new community to the door of its newly refurbished town, and revolutionise Bridgwater’s town centre economy and reputation for a different Bridgwater.
Cllr Brian Smedley, Leader of Bridgwater Town Council said:
“This is an incredibly exciting project and could really put Bridgwater on the map as a cultural destination. We are committed to retaining the heritage of Bridgwater, whilst also providing something that the community can be proud of.”
Cllr Tim Mander, Chair of the Council’s Amenities Committee said:
“This is an incredibly exciting project which will help revitalise and reenergise this part of the High Street. There is a real enthusiasm to regenerate the town and create the best facilities for residents and visitors alike. This opportunity is the next step in the town centre improvement and the effect on the town could be enormous. “
David Mears, Town Clerk and CEO said:
“I am thrilled to announce that the £5.4million Town Hall and Theatre regeneration proposals have been officially approved by our dedicated councillors. This significant investment marks a pivotal moment for our community, as it will not only preserve the historical essence of our Town Hall but also transform it into a vibrant hub for residents and visitors alike.”
“Our vision is to create a space that fosters community engagement, supports local businesses, and enhances the overall quality of life in our town. We are committed to ensuring that this project is carried out with the utmost care and consideration for the needs and aspirations of our community.”
“We look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to bring this exciting project to fruition and to witnessing the positive impact it will have on our town for generations to come.”
