The first stage of a £9m upgrade to Bridgwater’s ‘Celebration Mile’ has been given the unanimous thumbs up by district councillors.

Sedgemoor District Council has been working for many years to deliver the ‘Celebration Mile’, providing a safe and attractive route between Bridgwater railway station and the Northgate Docks via the town centre.

The project forms part of the £22.6m Bridgwater town deal, with the council’s executive committee voting in early June to allocate £9m towards delivering three key stretches of the route.

The council’s development committee has now given the green light to the first of these three stages – with further decisions being anticipated before the end of the year.

The first stage of the Celebration Mile project revolves around the eastern end of Clare Street, including its connections with Castle Moat, King Square and York Buildings – all a short distance from the council’s own offices.

Under the proposals, this entire section will become pedestrianised, with vehicles only being allowed in for access (including deliveries to the businesses in this area of Bridgwater).

New street lighting, trees and furniture (e.g. benches) will be put in place to make the area more appealing, with “pop-up power points” being installed to enable markets and other local events.

While some parking provision from the area will be removed, a number of new disabled spaces will be created on Castle Moat to ensure the area remains accessible for all residents and visitors.

As well as providing part of the Celebration Mile, this project will also enable an attractive link to the ‘Step Up Bridgwater’ facility on Angel Crescent, where £700,000 from the town deal will be spent creating affordable space for new businesses.

Councillor Kathy Pearce said: “If this scheme resolves illegal parking on its own, it will be worth it. I’m glad there is more disabled parking.”

Councillor Alistair Hendry said: “I think it’s a very, very attractive, well thought-out scheme. It’s just terrific and will enhance Bridgwater immensely.”

Councillor Anthony Betty added: “I think this is a great improvement to that part of Bridgwater.”

The committee voted unanimously to approve the Clare Street proposals. Detailed plans for the Angel Crescent and Eastover elements of the Celebration Mile as expected to come forward for approval in due course.