A COMMUNITY consultation aimed at creating a blueprint to build a stronger future for Watchet has revealed that jobs, community space and more attractions for visitors are among local people's top priorities. Research carried out by the Onion Collective - a group of four friends who have set up a social enterprise company to steer the rejuvenation of their home town - was revealed this week to civic leaders. And after in-depth sessions with community groups, councillors, businesses and those involved in tourism, the arts and heritage, the Onion Collective has identified four key projects which could be developed. The initial focus will be on the East Quay and the boat museum but two later schemes could see the construction of a new community hall - possibly on the Memorial Ground - and the development of a unique coastal walk and pathways network celebrating Watchet's geology and heritage and increasing its attraction as a visitor destination. Georgie Grant, one of the Onion Collective directors, told a Watchet Town Council meeting on Monday that the proposals had been drawn up following consultation with ten stakeholder groups involving at least 200 people, a series of public drop-in sessions and on-line comments. She said people's ideas, hopes, concerns and worries had been listened to and taken on board. Fellow director Naomi Griffith said the Onion Collective had secured funding - £79,000 from the Social Investment Business - to carry out the consultation, with the money allowing two of the schemes proposed to reach detailed design stage and virtually be 'planning application ready.' Ms Griffith said the group's original brief was to consider only the East Quay but it had been decided early on to broaden the scope of the consultation to look at a number of the town's assets. She admitted that the East Quay - which has been the focus of numerous feasibility studies and development schemes in the past - was a "fraught" site and that widening the brief would maximise the chances of success. Under the Onion Collective plans, the marina-side site would host a development of small workshops and studios, a restaurant and gallery space, complementing the maritime use of the rest of the area. The boat museum scheme would aim to improve one of the main approaches to the town, improving and modernising the existing building and possibly providing a new base for the tourist information office. Ms Griffith said ideas were still being worked on to see what would 'stack up' and what would work for both the sites. It was still unclear how much money the East Quay owners - West Somerset Council - wanted for the land or how much of the site would be available. But she said she was confident that the boat museum scheme could attract at least £300,000 from a pot of cash set up to mitigate the community impact of the proposed new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point. Future funding in relation to the Hinkley development that would come on stream later could help the construction of a community hall. Ms Griffith said it was vital that Watchet had plans that were "oven ready" to take advantage of funding opportunities when they arose. Cllr Janet Tapp questioned the likelihood of bring the proposals to fruition, particularly in relation to the East Quay. "I am wary because there have been so many thousands and thousands of pounds spent on feasibility studies," she said. "People are sick and fed up of hearing the word. We need to make sure that if any group is spending this amount of money on a feasibility study that there will be something behind it so that something actually happens." Ms Griffith said she understood the concerns but having been involved in a successful bid to secure more than £3 million for the construction of the youth and community centre Minehead EYE, she had a proven track record of getting money. "I can't promise that we will deliver but we all live in Watchet - it is our town and we want these things to happen." Ms Griffith said a range of funding steams would be investigated to ensure the group's approach was as 'joined up' as it could be. Cllr John Irven said he wanted to congratulate the Onion Collective for its enthusiasm and professionalism and that the focus on jobs and enhancing the visitor experience would benefit not only Watchet but the wider West Somerset. And Cllr Peter Murphy said people should have confidence in the group. "I am well aware of the feasibility fatigue in the town but I think this is different. "They have a proven track record and their professionalism shines out."