England's oldest dedicated arts centre getting a big upgrade

Somerset businesses are being invited to put forward their bids to regenerate England's oldest dedicated arts centre using central government funding. Bridgwater is one of 101 towns across the UK, and one of only two in Somerset, to receive funding from the government's towns fund to deliver major regeneration projects designed to revitalise and future-proof the town centre.

A total of £23.2m has been provided by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) to be divided across 11 projects, designed to encourage businesses, protect properties from flooding, improve Bridgwater's cultural offer and reduce congestion to and from the town. Somerset Council granted planning permission in May to upgrade the Bridgwater Arts Centre at 11-13 Castle Street to make the venue more accessible for visitors.

Bridgwater Town Council - which is leading the project - has now formally invited businesses to tender for the work, with local firms having until the end of August to get in touch. The arts centre building, which is grade one listed, was built in the 1720s and was extended in 1919 by adding a billiard hall, which was later converted into a theatre space.

READ MORE: Why the future looks bright for one of Somerset's most beautiful landscapes

READ MORE: General election 2024: Bridgwater candidates clash over Labour no-shows at hustings

Its current use dates back to 1946, when the arts centre was founded on this site by the Arts Council. The town council's proposals are designed to future-proof the historic building, making numerous internal alterations to make it more accessible and ensure it can be adequately maintained in the coming decades.

Specifically, a new ramp will be fitted onto Castle Street to improve wheelchair access, along with additional soundproofing, new lighting and sound equipment, and more versatile gallery and exhibition spaces. An additional 25 sq m of internal floor space will be added, which will be used for store chairs and other theatre equipment when they are not required for events or performances.

A spokesman for Philip Hughes Associates (representing the town council) said: "The alterations to the arts centre are relatively modest in nature but will provide significant improvement in the ability of the arts centre to properly utilise the building, to allow better access for all, and to provide improved facilities for building users and visitors. The proposals have been considered to ensure that minimal damage to the historic fabric of the building is caused.

"The improvements proposed can be seen to be beneficial to the arts centre by allowing for un-used and under-utilised spaces to be brought into use, which will increase the ability of the venue to offer facilities and resources to the local and wider community." A total of £700,000 from the Bridgwater town deal will be spent on the project, along with £66,800 from the town council and £22,438 being provided from the arts centre's own funds.

All businesses wishing to tender for the works should contact the town council with the relevant documentation no later than noon on August 30. For more information on the tendering process, or any related enquiries, email procurement@bridgwater-tc.gov.uk or call 01278 427692 and ask to speak with Geoff Sawyer.