'Great response' with consultation on £5.2 Bridgwater Docks upgrade
The first of a series of events took place last Wednesday (December 13)
Somerset Council say there's been a 'great response' in the consultation to upgrade Bridgwater Docks.
The first of a series of events took place last Wednesday (December 13) in what's called 'one of the most exciting' projects being worked on as part of the Town Deal.
£23.2 million of Government levelling-up cash has been secured in a bid to level up the town, formed of 11 schemes - with £5.2 million earmarked for the Docks.
'Probably one of the most exciting of the 11 Town Deal projects'
Paul Moore, Chair of the Bridgwater Town Deal Board, said: “This is probably one of the most exciting of all the 11 Town Deal projects, it’s certainly one of the most technically challenging.
"This is an opportunity to make this neglected area a useful space once again a destination for visitors and locals alike. Just a short walk from Northgate Yard town centre it has so much potential, thanks to the Towns Fund as part of the Government Levelling Up Programme, we have some money to spend on this upgrade.”
A member of the Docks Project team said: “It was fantastic that so many people turned up to the event to learn more about the project and to share their ideas for the future of Bridgwater Docks. In the past the docks was 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”.
Bridgwater has been selected as one of 101 towns to receive investment through the government’s Towns Fund scheme.
The aim is 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.
Cllr Ros Wyke, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning & Assets, said: “The funding will see the revival of the historic Docks quarter as well as the development of sustainable travel options – particularly in our walking and cycling routes.
“It’s heartening to see so many people come along to the consultation and illustrates the enthusiasm of residents and businesses towards the project.”
You can find out more about Bridgwater Town Deal here.
Read more: How should £5 million be spent on Bridgwater docks?