BRIDPORT is calling on its local businesses to help prioritise investment needs.

Bridport Town Council is working with local businesses to develop an Investment Plan for the town.

The plan will form the basis for bids to Dorset Council and the government to improve the town centre, and to support local businesses to undertake transition to a net zero future.

With details emerging of how government ‘Levelling Up’ funding will be delivered in Dorset, the town council recognises that a coherent plan, developed with widespread stakeholder engagement will put Bridport in a good position to secure the much-needed finance required to support economic regeneration. Investment themes include: skills training, transport and access improvements, and making the most of the rich arts and heritage assets of the town.

Council leader Dave Rickard identified a pressing need for investment in infrastructure: “I am impressed at the way Bridport’s business community has weathered the economic storm of the pandemic and the current downturn," he said. "But we know that significant investment is needed for the future to keep the town at the top of its game and to make the change to a greener economy. We need investment in skills and jobs, better transport, improved public realm, upgrades to the electricity grid, and more, if we’re to secure our economic future”.

Throughout Summer 2022, the town council will be engaging in conversations with businesses, both individually and through representative bodies; Bridport Business Chamber, Federation of Small Businesses, and Totally Locally Bridport.

During September 2022, the Town Council will hold a series of open meetings to share the regeneration ideas that have been gathered from businesses and agree the process for bringing the Investment Plan together. The Investment Plan will be published by the Town Council in October 2022.

For more information go to bridport-tc.gov.uk/bridport-investment-plan/.