TWO innovative schemes designed to help regenerate West Somerset's economic and social fortunes will be officially unveiled at a public meeting next week.

Designs have been drawn-up for Watchet's derelict East Quay by award-winning architect, lecturer and broadcaster Piers Taylor.

His vision for renewed industry and activity on the quayside could finally close a long-running chapter on what to do with the site, which is owned by West Somerset Council.

Alongside, local firm Louise Crossman Architects has designed an extension to the town's historic Boat Museum.

Both schemes will be presented by the architects at an open meeting on Thursday (November 20) at 7.30pm in Watchet's Phoenix Centre.

The architects were commissioned by Watchet-based social enterprise group the Onion Collective, the organisation behind the Contains Art shipping containers on the quayside.

Mr Taylor's brief was to create something which would sit alongside the current dry dock area operated by Watchet Harbour Marina and complement existing marina activities.

His scheme has three distinct elements - a 'work foundry' incorporating community owned and run workshops, studios and co-working space for year-round projects, skills sharing and apprenticeship opportunities.

There is also a café/restaurant, public courtyards and walkways, as well as marina facilities.

Next there is an expanded Contains Art building and gallery located in the centre of the scheme to provide low cost but flexible workspace for artists and craftspeople to make and sell their work.

Finally, there is an iconic vantage point, or 'walkway to the sky', containing bespoke accommodation pods and offering a vantage point across the town for those who climb to the top.

Mr Taylor said his designs had drawn references from Watchet's geology and character.

The work foundry design was inspired by the rock formations of the blue lias strata on the shoreline, the Contains Art building echoes traditional wharfside design, and the vantage point reflected the lighthouse and steep rise of the nearby cliffs.

"This is an amazing and exciting opportunity for Watchet to use architecture and design to empower an entire community," said Mr Taylor.

"I'm thrilled that I can be part of this, and it's a joy to be working with the Onion Collective on one of the most exciting community-led coastal regeneration projects in the United Kingdom, which hopefully will act as a catalyst for continuing growth and change for Watchet.

"The buildings include bold propositions, but similarly belong to the architecture and character of Watchet.

"They speak of its geology, geography and rich cultural history."

The Onion Collective is also working on new architectural designs for an extension to Watchet's historic boat museum with Louise Crossman Architects.

The extension will house a new visitor centre and help to tell the story of Watchet's rich heritage.

The aim is to complement the existing tourist information centre on the Esplanade, as well as highlight the important role transport has played in Watchet's history.

The group said the new facilities would act as a welcome to the town and improve the flow of visitors to the top of Swain Street.

Originally designed by Brunel, the Boat Museum started life as a goods shed, built in 1862 as a terminus for the Bristol and Exeter Railway.

Architect Ms Crossman is working on plans to restore the original building, improving the structure of original walls and the facilities inside.

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

"We are 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 that will benefit everyone.

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

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

Ms Griffith said the proposed schemes had evolved from months of community consultation and responded directly to what local people said they wanted to see in the town.

The collective is also working on two more projects for the town - the redevelopment of the youth club site into a community space and the creation of a coastal walk incorporating artworks and manmade walkways.

The concept designs for the East Quay and the boat museum will be on display at the collective's offices at 41b Swain Street next Friday (November 21) from 10am to 4pm and Saturday (November 22) from 10am to 1pm.