BRIDGWATER Town Hall site could see a major redevelopment in the future and the town council is hosting two consultation events next week where people can view and discuss the plans.

People will be given the opportunity to look at the plans for the site on Monday, July 29 and Tuesday, July 30 between 10am and 4pm on both days in the Town Hall Theatre.

Bridgwater Town Council says the town hall is at the heart of Bridgwater and its regeneration will “lift the heart of the town” and improve services and facilities.

Public involvement, they say, is crucial to this development and they are keen to hear the views of the public.

A council spokesperson said: “Please try and come along even if you can only attend for a short time, these events are an opportunity to view the designs, have your say and ask questions.”

Architects Connolly Wellingham and council officers will be on hand at the events to give information and answer queries and will be undertaking presentations of the plans at 11am and 1pm on both days.

Both of the 11am talks will draw upon the theatre design process and main auditorium scheme, and the 1pm talks will cover plans for the atrium, a new reception, and the old Sedgemoor District Council offices.

There are plans to upgrade the auditorium as a venue for theatrical performances Picture: Connolly Wellingham

In 2021 Sedgemoor District Council secured £23.2m of funding to deliver the ‘Town Deal’; 11 public projects across Bridgwater with the ambition to revitalise the town centre.

Primary amongst these is the refurbishment of the historic town hall, its theatre auditorium and existing underused spaces in neighbouring plots.

In spring 2023 Connolly Wellingham were appointed as architects and design team leaders following a national open call for expressions of interest.

Works will include upgrades to accessibility and energy efficiency, as well as new office spaces and a revitalised public foyer – a new civic space for the town.

The works to the auditorium are designed to upgrade the facilities of the space as a venue for theatrical performance (including new lighting rig, audio visual equipment and audience seating), as well as re-establishing its former ‘multi-function’ flexibility as a hall for the town – reinstating natural light through the former ceiling lanterns and servicing the space for a myriad of new daytime uses.

Listed building consent was submitted in 2023, targeting commencement of construction before the end of 2024, ahead of a rolling programme of phased works across 2025.