The Bridgwater Town Team has officially relaunched with a renewed mission to support local businesses and enhance the town centre.
The reboot follows a well-attended event on 30 April featuring Professor Terry Stephens, a respected expert in urban regeneration and community-led development.
Local businesses gathered to hear Professor Stephens share valuable insights on how towns like Bridgwater can thrive by embracing innovation, collaboration, and strong local identity.
The Bridgwater Town Team is a collaborative group that includes representatives from Bridgwater Town Council, Sedgemoor Chamber of Commerce, local businesses, and community organisations. Their primary goal is to promote economic development and enhance the vitality of Bridgwater’s town centre.
The team aims to meet monthly and is currently setting up several focused task-and-finish (working) groups, which will tackle specific priorities including, shop local, town centre improvements, including reporting any anti-social behaviour and events.
Local businesses are encouraged to take part in these groups to share their perspectives and help shape projects that directly affect the town.
The newly elected Chair, Paul Moate said, “We’re excited to return with a clear focus on listening to the community, supporting independent businesses, and making the town centre a welcoming place for all.”
One of the team’s current priorities is addressing the issue the towns reputation and encourage shoppers into the town —a visible challenge in many town centres across the UK.
While Bridgwater Town Team is actively working to identify opportunities and solutions, it’s important to note that certain aspects of town centre management—such as planning permissions and business rates—fall under the jurisdiction of Somerset Council, the unitary authority.
This means that while Bridgwater Town Council and the Town Team can advocate and collaborate, final decisions on these matters lie beyond their direct control.
If you’re passionate about Bridgwater’s future, message chair@bridgwatertownteam.co.uk to find out how you can get involved.
The Town Team welcomes businesses and community groups to join the effort and would like to thank Ruddle Digital for their support in setting up and managing the team’s new email contact point.
