Restoration of dock to 'former glory' given go ahead

Works to transform a town's historic docks into a destination for visitors can now go ahead after receiving the green light.

Proposals to regenerate Bridgwater's Northgate Docks were launched in 2023 to allow residential moorings to return and to improve walking and cycling routes.

Somerset Council unanimously backed the plans at a meeting on Tuesday, although the date when work will start has not yet been decided.

Councillor Gill Slocombe said the works were "long overdue". "I've lived here all my life and I want to see the docks restored to their former glory," she added.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the docks have not been used since December 2021, after the last lease held by the Canal and River Trust expired.

The docks connect the River Parrett to the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal and form the northern terminus of the Celebration Mile, a pedestrian-priority route which runs through the town centre to the railway station.

Under the plans, pontoons within the docks will be refurbished and reinstated, allowing for up to 23 residential and 10 leisure moorings at any one time.

New security entrances will also be installed and the existing swing bridge at Newton Lock will be replaced to allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross safely in both directions at once.

Matthieu Espinoza, the council's planning agent, told the meeting the plans represented "a significant step forward for Bridgwater".

"This aims to transform the docks into a vibrant cultural and visitor destination that celebrates the town's rich industrial heritage.

"This will be a catalyst for further investment and regeneration," he added.

Once the regeneration of the docks is complete, the site will be managed by Bridgwater Town Council.

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