The regeneration of Bridgwater’s historic Northgate Docks is now expected to be completed by March 2027, following a government extension to the deadline for spending grant funding. The £5.2 million makeover is a key part of the £23.2 million Bridgwater Town Deal aimed at revitalising the town centre and waterfront.
Despite public consultations held in December 2023, visible progress at the docks site has been limited compared to other local development projects, such as the Celebration Mile, which will eventually link the docks to Bridgwater railway station. In April, Somerset Council appointed design consultants WSP to accelerate the project, targeting planning approvals and construction commencement ahead of spring 2026.
The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) announced a 12-month extension to the town deal spending deadline, moving it to March 2027. This extension gives the council additional time to finalize designs, begin the tendering process, and award contracts—though contracts might not be finalized until March 2026, leaving only a year for completion.
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Of the £5.2 million allocated, £4.2 million is earmarked for improvements to the grade two listed docks themselves. The remaining £1 million will enhance surrounding walking and cycling infrastructure, including a new swing bridge over Newton Lock. Plans include modernizing the marina and expanding berths to encourage leisure usage, with projections for 40 residential moorings and 26 leisure moorings.
The project also aims to improve active travel links, connecting the docks area with the Celebration Mile, the canal towpath, and an upgraded cycle path to the A39 Western Way via Linham Road, completed in November 2024.
The funding extension was confirmed on July 17 in response to a parliamentary question from Sarah Dyke, Liberal Democrat MP for Glastonbury and Somerton. Alex Norris MP, parliamentary under-secretary for democracy and local growth, clarified that no recipients have sought exemptions to use funding beyond the new March 2027 deadline.
An update presented at Somerset Council’s harbour management advisory committee on July 28 highlighted early consultation efforts. Acting Harbour Master Captain Jessica Tyson noted the importance of stakeholder engagement, emphasizing a need to understand the wider implications for the River Parrett and Bridgwater Port.
Councillor Leigh Redman, local representative for Bridgwater North and Central, requested a written project update for committee members ahead of the autumn meeting. He stressed the importance of transparent communication given the docks’ proximity to significant waterways.
Somerset Council reiterates its commitment to fully spend the allocated funds by the extended deadline, with design work underway and the planning, tendering, and contract finalization phases anticipated by March 2026. The full project delivery is scheduled for March 2027 or sooner.