DESIGN consultants have been appointed to help shape a multi-million-pound transformation of Bridgwater Docks.

Somerset Council has appointed built environment specialists WSP to undertake consultations over the scheme, which will see new active travel walking and cycling routes extend across a new swing bridge at Newton Lock, as well as a modernised marina.

Views gained from residents and businesses will be used to shape the project, which is being funded from the government Towns Fund Deal.

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Councillor Mike Rigby, executive lead member for economic development, planning and assets, said: “In the past the docks were the commercial heartbeat of the town, and we hope that this project will help to breathe new life into the area to provide a sustainable future that supports new commercial investment, improves the local environment and respects the needs of the many and varied users including local residents.”

And Paul Moore, chair of Bridgwater Town Deal Board, added: “The docks are part of the history of Bridgwater and have been languishing in a sorry state. This Town Deal scheme hopes to kick start the process of becoming a heritage place of leisure activity which becomes a building block for the long-term regeneration of the docks area.”

Next will comes a detailed public consultation, securing planning permission for the development and the start of delivery of the scheme in the next 12 months.