Bridgwater Docks Regeneration Delayed Until 2027 Amid Extended Government Deadline

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The regeneration of Bridgwater’s historic Northgate Docks has been postponed to March 2027, following an extension granted by the UK Government for spending grant funds allocated under the Bridgwater Town Deal.

Part of the £23.2 million Bridgwater Town Deal, £5.2 million had been earmarked for the transformation of the Grade II-listed docks. Of that, £4.2 million will go towards upgrading the marina and increasing berth capacity, while £1 million will fund new cycling and walking routes, including a swing bridge over Newton Lock.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, now part of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, recently confirmed that all remaining Town Deal projects nationwide have received a 12-month extension. Local authorities must now spend their allocated funding by March 2027 or return any unspent amounts. While some projects may continue using other funding sources, no Town Deal grants can be used past that date, according to Parliamentary Under-Secretary Alex Norris MP.

Despite public consultations held in December 2023, the Northgate Docks project has progressed more slowly than other initiatives in Bridgwater, such as the Celebration Mile, a pedestrian corridor under construction that will connect the docks to the railway station. In April, Somerset Council appointed global consultancy WSP to lead design and planning work, aiming to start construction by March 2026.

By that time, tendering and contractor appointments are expected to be finalised, leaving a year for project delivery. Planned upgrades include 40 residential moorings, 26 leisure berths, and enhanced access for recreational users. The new walking and cycling infrastructure will link to towpaths, the Celebration Mile, and the completed Linham Road cycle route to the A39 Western Way.

Somerset Council provided a brief update on July 28 during a harbour management advisory meeting. Acting harbour master Captain Jessica Tyson reported that early-stage consultations are underway with key stakeholders and emphasised the importance of assessing impacts on the River Parrett and the wider Bridgwater port.

Labour councillor Leigh Redman urged the council to provide a written briefing ahead of the next meeting, citing the project’s significance to the local waterway network.

A council spokesperson confirmed that all grant funding would be spent within the extended timeframe, stating: “Design work on the Bridgwater Docks project is starting now, with planning, tendering, and contractor selection to be completed by March 2026. Final delivery is expected by March 2027, or sooner if possible.”