A BRAND-NEW electric vehicle charging hub will open in Northgate Yard, Bridgwater's entertainment and dining hub opening in October 2022.

As part of Sedgemoor District Council’s Climate Emergency Strategy and Action Plan there will be an Electric Vehicle charging hub in the Northgate Yard’s 115-space car park, enabling easy and affordable access to charging points in Bridgwater.

The eight fast chargers will encourage the use of electric vehicles, which reduce carbon emissions and improves air quality, as well as future proofing the complex as the UK moves towards a ban on new vehicles being powered solely by petrol and diesel in 2030.

Cllr Duncan McGinty, leader of Sedgemoor District Council says: “The Council are very proud to be delivering a project with strong sustainable credentials. With a very limited supply of chargers currently available in the town, eight new fast chargers will expand Bridgwater’s green infrastructure, attracting people into the town centre to charge their cars. This is a crucial step to tackle the ever-pressing issue that is climate change.”

Visitors who are using an EV will have access to exclusive parking bays where they can charge their vehicle as they explore Northgate Yard and its amenities.

A single charger can charge an EV from 20 per cent to 100 per cent in two hours, giving time for guests to visit the cinema or have a meal while charging their vehicles.

Sustainability has been at the heart of Northgate Yard’s development.

The on-site construction team, Willmott Dixon, were awarded for the 20 plus tonnes of wood waste that was diverted for reuse or recycling from the site.

A variety of trees, aquatic plants, and greenery have been planted across the centre, plus a Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SuDS), which naturally filters contaminants from water as it percolates through the system, has been built in Brewery Field.

There will also be an outside water refill point in the scheme, encouraging the use of reusable bottles.

After being in development for over 10 years, Northgate Yard will begin opening this October, offering a brand-new entertainment and dining hub for Bridgwater and beyond.

For more information on Northgate Yard, visit northgateyard.co.uk