A significant transformation is on the horizon for the historic Bridgwater and Taunton Canal in Somerset, as both government funding and a newly-adopted strategy are set to breathe new life into the waterway. Stretching over 14 miles across the picturesque Somerset Levels, the canal connects the River Tone at Firepool Lock in Taunton to the River Parrett at the Northgate Docks in Bridgwater.
The regeneration plans include a substantial facelift for Bridgwater’s docks, with a £5.2m investment from the government-backed Bridgwater town deal earmarked to modernize the marina, promote new leisure activities, and improve pedestrian and cycling links to the town center. Complementing this, Somerset Council has greenlit its Taunton waterways strategy, outlining a series of potential projects and extensive maintenance to enhance the canal’s Taunton end.
The approved strategy emphasizes the creation of a “linear water park” in Taunton, facilitating pedestrian and cycling connections around the River Tone and the canal to link key facilities and green spaces, aiming to attract more visitors and leisure enthusiasts to explore the town.
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The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) has advocated for restoring the canal for full navigability, envisioning the economic and cultural benefits it would bring to the surrounding areas, including small villages along its length. This emphasis on revitalizing the canal and river aligns with a broader goal of boosting recreational activities such as walking, cycling, and other water-based pursuits.
As these plans take shape, stakeholders are also considering the essential improvements needed at Firepool Lock to accommodate increased boating traffic. The Canal and River Trust, responsible for maintaining the canal and its towpath, has already made strides in this direction, recently reopening a previously closed section in Bridgwater.
Looking ahead, feasibility studies will further explore the technical and financial aspects of these revitalization efforts, with a focus on fostering collaboration among various stakeholders to address the challenges effectively. Additionally, there is a concerted effort to align the Bridgwater docks project with potential actions at the Taunton terminus, ensuring a holistic approach to enhancing the entire canal.
The Bridgwater and Taunton Canal is not only a historic waterway but also home to the Somerset Space Walk, a unique sculpture trail depicting the scaled distances between the Sun and the planets in our solar system. To further enhance the experience, efforts are underway to improve the towpath along certain sections, making it more accessible and appealing to visitors.
Public engagement will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Bridgwater Docks project, with the goal of securing planning permission and kicking off construction before the allocated funding deadline. All these efforts are poised to not only revitalize the historic canal but also unlock its economic potential and cultural significance for the region.