A POTENTIAL new look for Watchet’s East Quay has been unveiled by a team hoping to regenerate the area.

Concept designs of two schemes which aim to bring economic and social regeneration to West Somerset will be shown to the public.

Plans for the renewal of industry and activity at East Quay, and an extension to the historic Boat Museum, have been released by local regeneration group Onion Collective CIC.

Both schemes will be presented by the architects at an open meeting on Thursday, November 20, at 7.30pm in the Phoenix Centre.

The East Quay scheme sits alongside the current dry dock area operated by Watchet Harbour Marina and seeks to complement current marina activities.

The scheme has three distinct elements – a ‘work foundry’ comprising communal makerspace, studios and co-working space housing year round projects of skills sharing and apprenticeships.

This space also incorporates a café/restaurant, public courtyards and walkways, as well as marina facilities, while an expanded ‘Contains Art’ building and gallery in the centre of the scheme would provide low-cost, flexible workspace for artists and craftspeople to make and sell their work.

The final element of the plans is a ‘walkway to the sky’ containing bespoke accommodation pods and offering places to stay.

The boat museum extension could house a new visitor centre and help to tell the story of Watchet’s rich heritage.

Onion Collective director Naomi Griffith said: “These two schemes represent a unique opportunity for Watchet.

“We’re lucky enough to not have to accept the raw deal of being in a rural town with few resources.

“Together as a community, we can change that and transform the town’s fortunes, creating opportunities which will benefit everyone.

“We’e really excited to be able to show everyone these extraordinary concept designs, which represent the ideas and hopes which were expressed to us during the consultation earlier in the year.

“We look forward to seeing everyone at the open meeting on November 20.”

The Onion Collective says the proposed schemes have evolved from months of community consultation and respond directly to the expressed needs of the public.

As well as the public meeting next Thursday, the concept designs will also be available for the public to view at Onion Collective’s offices at 41b Swain Street on Friday, November 21, from 10am to 4pm, and Saturday, November 22, from 10am to 1pm.