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Rob Stevens

Gravity Chairman shares insights into Somerset’s growth opportunities

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Martin Bellamy, This is Gravity Chairman and CEO shared his insights into Somerset’s growth opportunities resulting from the development of the UK’s largest Gigafactory at the Gravity Smart Campus.

The Q&A session with Martin Bellamy was aired during the ‘Insider Breakfast: Opportunity Somerset’ event hosted at the McMillan Theatre in Bridgwater.

The event was set up for regional businesses to share their insights on the opportunities and challenges for businesses of all sizes in the region and what role SMEs will play in the wider opportunities linked to Hinkley Point and Gravity.

Martin Bellamy discussing on-site works at Gravity: “Works have been ongoing at Gravity since 2019 but have accelerated as a result of the Agratas site purchase, confirmed in early 2024.  Major milestones in the development of the gigafactory include the LDO submission for Building 1 and the appointment of Sir Robert McAlpine as the primary contractor. The Gravity site by spring 2025 will begin to transform with the building programme of the gigafactory”.

It was noted by Martin that the opportunities that will result from an automotive manufacturer basing themselves in Somerset instead of the midlands will have a real economic impact along the M5 corridor.

Martin Bellamy reflected on market trends, with major technology companies in the emerging AI sector that could not be ignored in terms of securing future site occupiers, that would sit alongside the gigafactory, furthering the vision of a true ‘smart campus’.

The full Q&A video can be viewed here.

Gravity shortlisted for regional property awards

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The Gravity team is proud to announce that we have been shortlisted for Insider Media’s South West Property Awards. This follows the confirmed sale of a 307-acre site to Agratas, Tata Group’s global battery business. This deal, set to deliver the largest gigafactory in the UK, has been nominated for the ‘Property Deal of the Year’ category.

Gravity joins a group of significant real estate projects from across the region, including:

  • Sale of 228,577 sq. ft former Curver Premises to local investor 59 Cardrew Limited, Redruth, Cornwall (Alder King, Lyons Davidson, Murrell Associates)
  • Sale of 2-16 Clifton Down Road to Speare Developments, Bristol (Lambert Smith Hampton, THAT Group, Speare Developments, Burston Cook, Denton’s, VWV)
  • Letting of 113,573 sq. ft building to EVRi, Bristol (Trebor Developments, Hillwood, Colliers, CBRE, Lambert Smith Hampton)
  • Advising Plymouth City Council on the UK’s first Habitat Banking Vehicle, Devon (Freeths, Plymouth City Council Legal Team, Finance Earth)
  • Driving the land deal to move Boxworks to Brabazon, Bristol (YTL Developments, Forward Space, Aerospace Bristol)

Award Details
Date: Thursday, 10 October 2024
Location: Bristol Marriott Hotel City Centre
Tickets available here

About Gravity

Gravity is the UK’s first strategic commercial smart campus and a blueprint for a ‘cleaner’, smarter future. Anchored by the 40Gwh Agratas Gigafactory, the campus is now the catalyst for economic transformation across the South West. Delivering the Gravity campus will support the wider efforts towards transport decarbonisation as well as the UK’s acceleration progress on electrification.

Our site is at the heart of an ideal ecosystem and is the platform of choice to stimulate home-grown advanced battery manufacturing, it offers unrivalled connectivity, planning flexibility and access to world-class assets and talent pool with expertise in innovation and clean growth. Underpinning the ability to serve a multitude of customers across sectors in the transition to a net zero economy.

Gravity’s LDO highlighted in CBI Report

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This is Gravity Limited is proud to be featured as a case study in the CBI’s “Planning for Growth” report, which recommends strategies for driving investment through planning reform and infrastructure delivery.

Gravity was showcased for implementing its Local Development Order (LDO). This critical planning tool has attracted significant international investment, including £4bn by Tata Sons to deliver the UK’s largest battery manufacturing facility.

The report emphasises the need for a cohesive national planning strategy, enhanced resources for Local Planning Authorities (LPAs), and prioritisation of strategic planning to support infrastructure and housing through tools like LDOs.

The case study demonstrates how Gravity’s approach aligns with the government’s objectives to streamline planning processes and foster sustainable economic growth across the UK.

For more details, please visit the full report on the CBI’s website.

Look Ahead – Q3 2024

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July – September

As we move into summer the site will maintain high levels of activity. This is Gravity (TIG) continues to support Agratas, and other leading partners in the delivery of the advanced battery manufacturing facility, site infrastructure and wider campus amenities.

Site works

  • Site preparation and early works will continue including material import and management.
  • The work to recycle concrete from the site and crush it for re-use will continue.
  • Work with Somerset Council (SC) and other stakeholders is ongoing to establish and operate formal project governance meetings as well as community and business groups, we look forward to sharing more information as these develop.
  • TIG contractors will monitor the new landscaping on the link road (Enterprise Way) and replace as necessary.
  • Environmental monitoring equipment to report on noise and air conditions has been installed, data from this equipment will be reported to the Council as appropriate and governance groups when these are established.
  • The formal completion and adoption of Enterprise Way by Somerset Council is expected after the contractor has completed the snagging, then triggering the s106 timeline for delivery of the Village Enhancement Scheme (VES), which includes a pedestrian and cycle path connecting Puriton and Woolavington and traffic calming measures. TIG are well prepared for this with the scheme designed in readiness, to avoid any delays to implementation.
  • National Grid will be contacting local stakeholders to introduce their role in the delivery of the project and offering initial briefingsThey are a key enabler to provide the necessary infrastructure for the whole of Gravity.

Other matters

  • Consultant site visits and ground investigations will continue across the summer months.
  • Enquiries – the respective teams will continue to support and respond to enquiries.

Contact Gravity

Contact Agratas

Gravity presents awards at the Pride of Somerset Youth event  

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Representatives from Gravity joined the well-attended celebrations at the McMillan Theatre in Bridgwater for the 2024 Pride of Somerset Youth Awards. Claire Pearce and Robert Stevens presented the ‘Environmental’ and ‘Community Hero’ awards respectively.

Claire Pearce presented the ‘Environmental’ award to Daniel, for his exceptional contributions to cryptozoology and nature. He showcased immense passion and meticulous research in the field. His charity work encourages young people to explore nature. Daniel’s achievements include a successful podcast, a published book, teaching an online science class for Autistic teenagers, and a feature in the national press.

Claire Pearce presenting the Environmental Award
Robert Stevens presenting the Community Hero award
Andy Berry
Claire Pearce

Claire Pearce, reflecting on the evening: “Gravity was proud to support and this event, which celebrates and promotes the inspirational young people across Somerset. Our team would like to thank everyone involved for contributing to such a wonderful ceremony.”

Passion for Somerset CIC CEO & Founder, Nigel Muers-Raby, commented: “Gravity’s very generous sponsorship of the Pride of Somerset Youth Awards enabled us to recognise and reward some truly remarkable young people whose stories were both inspirational and heart-warming”.

About the Awards

The Pride of Somerset Youth Awards 2024 is proud to work with a collection of fantastic partners that make this possible. With 10 awards categories in total, each sponsor has selected an award that they are passionate about and can advocate for.

  • Art & Culture Award | Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Taunton
  • Care Award | Sponsored by the Somerset County Gazette
  • Championing Positive Mental Health Award | Sponsored by Bounce Forward
  • Charity / Volunteer Hero | Sponsored by Young Somerset
  • Community Hero | Sponsored by Bridgwater United Community Sports Trust
  • Environmental Award | Sponsored by This is Gravity
  • Outstanding Courage Award | Sponsored by Somerset Larder
  • Sandy Padgett Award | Sponsored by Avon & Somerset Police
  • Sporting Achievement Award | Sponsored by Passion of Somerset
  • Young Person of Year Award | Sponsored by Bridgwater & Taunton College

Notes to Editors

For more information, please contact prideofsomersetyouthawards@gmail.com or call 01278 441216.

Gravity welcomes Stuart Houlet to the to the Team

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This is Gravity (TIGL) are pleased to share the announcement that Stuart Houlet MRTPI, Associate Director at PCL Planning has joined Gravity to provide a Head of Planning Services role, focussed on facilitating the delivery of the planning objectives for the Gravity Project and in particular supporting the implementation of the Gravity Local Development Order (LDO).

Stuart brings a wealth of experience following a successful 25-year planning and management career in local government, including substantial planning policy, development management and major project experience. He led Sedgemoor District Council’s Planning Team for 10 years as Development Manager and subsequently Assistant Director. Whilst at Sedgemoor he was the Council’s planning lead on both the Gravity and Hinkley Point C projects.

Working closely with Claire Pearce and the core Gravity team, Stuart will be responsible for a range of planning tasks including oversight for LDO compliance matters, preparation and co-ordination of compliance applications and providing advice on planning process and procedures.

Claire Pearce, Director of Planning and Economic Development commented “Personally and professionally I am delighted that Stuart is able to join us on the Gravity journey. His expertise and knowledge will be a key asset and his ability to engage with stakeholders and partners to address challenges and shape solutions’ is immensely valuable as we shift into delivery mode.“

Stuart Houlet advsied: “I am very excited to be able to support the Gravity team on such a significant project for the local area and wider UK and its clear transformational benefits in supporting clean and inclusive growth, decarbonisation and the climate change agenda. Having been involved in the site since 2007 in my previous Council role and seeing the project evolve, this is a fantastic opportunity to continue my involvement through its implementation and to support its delivery.  

Look Ahead – Q2 2024

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April – June

As we move into Spring, the Gravity site will become more active as we transition into delivery, the two landowners at the Gravity smart campus, This is Gravity (TIG) and Agratas will coordinate and jointly communicate where possible.

Site works

  • The work to recycle concrete from the site and crush it for re-use will continue. 
  • In line with our material management strategy the import of recycled aggregate from the Hinkley C connection resumed in March.
  • The import of aggregate to meet occupier needs as required will continue.
  • TIG contractors will be monitoring the new landscaping on the link road and replacing as necessary.
  • In preparation for the construction phase, we are installing environmental monitoring equipment to report on noise and air conditions.
  • The campus approach to reuse and recycling seeks to reduce traffic movements.
  • Consultant site visits and ground investigations will also take place. 
  • TIG archaeology investigations will take place on part of the site outside of the original ROF fence in late April/early May for about 12 weeks. 
  • Test piling for Agratas began on March 26th, it will take place for short periods throughout the day (08:00 – 18:00), Monday to Friday, measures to keep noise to a minimum and to limit excess dust on site by using water tankers if conditions are dry. Test piling will last for approximately three weeks.
  • Piling will commence once the test piling has been completed with the final piles designed. Further information on this will be provided by Agratas.

Other matters

  • Agratas will be hosting a series of public drop-in events between April 27 and May 2. Event leaflets have been shared, updates communicated via Agratas’ WhatsApp channel and information listed on Puriton and Woolavington Parish Council websites. Click here for further information about the Bridgwater event on April 30.
  • Multiple LDO compliance submissions will be progressed in the coming months for various uses across the site.
  • TIG will continue with its work to replace the leisure facilities currently hosted by the 37 Club. Plans for the new facility are on display at the current 37 Club.
  • Submissions to Somerset Council and other regulators on planning and technical matters will continue as appropriate.

Contact

New partnership set to upskill workforce and advance research to achieve more sustainable future

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New partnership set to upskill workforce

An exciting agreement aiming to reshape the educational and economic landscape of the South West in pursuit of green goals has been signed by the University of Bristol and Bridgwater & Taunton College.

Focused on supporting the UK’s transition to a net-zero economy, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) sets a new benchmark for higher and further education partnerships which will supercharge workforce development and research.

The partnership formalises the commitment of both institutions to leverage strengths and harness their collective experience and resources. Together, they will act as a catalyst for technological advancement, supporting development and innovation to drive the regional response to deliver the ambitious clean and inclusive growth strategy of Gravity, the UK’s first smart campus.

Andy Berry, Principal and CEO of Bridgwater & Taunton College, said: “Together with the University of Bristol, we are poised to revolutionise how education supports not just the immediate needs of our community, but also the long-term workforce requirements of innovative projects like Gravity. This MoU is a testament to our shared commitment to fostering a future-ready workforce equipped to meet the challenges of our rapidly evolving world.”

Professor Evelyn Welch, Vice-Chancellor and President at the University of Bristol, added: “We are delighted to enter this agreement, which further strengthens our relationship with Bridgwater & Taunton College and will play a vital role in developing the regional workforce as well as driving forward innovation.

“The Gravity smart campus offers a key gateway to progressive research, advancing the journey towards net-zero while also supporting training and careers in energy futures. We look forward to working with the College to nurture local talent and help deliver sustainable, inclusive growth to help meet the pressing challenges posed by climate change.”

The MoU outlines a framework for collaborative projects and initiatives which will create a unified approach to addressing the skills gap in sectors critical to achieving a net-zero economy. It also sets the stage for both institutions to work closely with industry leaders and other educational providers to ensure the South West leads in strategic responses to emerging economic sectors.

Claire Pearce, Director of Planning & Economic Development at Gravity, said: “Our Skills Charter creates the leadership opportunity for employer engagement and workforce development to align with our mission to create decent work and inclusive economic growth for local communities.  We are thrilled to see a proactive partnership response and early progress to support occupiers and ensure that local talent has ample opportunity to navigate through education pathways to secure high-quality jobs at the Gravity smart campus. This MoU marks a significant step forward in achieving that mission.”

Bounce Forward continues to deliver resilience training as part of the Gravity Skills Charter in partnership with Bridgwater & Taunton College

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Bounce Forward continues to deliver resilience training as part of the Local Development Order in partnership with Bridgwater & Taunton College

Lucy Bailey, the Founder of Bounce Forward, conducted a workshop as part of the Gravity Smart Campus development which benefits from an integrated Environment and Social Governance (ESG) policy and Skills Charter. This provides a focus on local training and development to shape a future workforce to meet occupier needs

Bounce Forward is a UK charity home to experts in psychological fitness. The workshop focused on the ‘Resilient Futures‘ programme, which is designed to equip young adults aged 16 to 25 with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive.

The Resilient Futures session hosted at Bridgwater & Taunton College is part of Bounce Forward’s “train the trainer” model which equips local stakeholders with their own “Resilient Futures” champions. The provision will support the development of a future workforce for Gravity and wider Somerset.

Gravity’s Claire Pearce and Salamanca Group’s Esther Croft were joined in attendance by staff from across Bridgwater & Taunton College, representatives from Stantec and Bristol Port.

The core focus of the session was to build mental resilience and emotional wellbeing, using hope theory as the structure to the programme. The content is appropriate for schools and colleges and can be extended to support the workforce including employers working with young people, indeed everyone can benefits from the principles covered. This session continues to build upon the Gravity sponsorship of Bounce Forward during the pandemic to work in local schools and colleges, this training will help to further embed and strengthen skills to develop a workforce for the future.

100% of session attendees agreed or strongly agreed with four impact statements:

  • I found the training useful personally.
  • It has prepared me to facilitate Resilient Futures.
  • It will be useful for the young adults I work with.
  • I would recommend Resilient Futures to others.

Ideas for implementation included; for delivery of training to staff and students, applying the content to future STEM events, aligning with other offers where Resilience Futures would complement, and a working group has been established to plan dissemination strategically.

Feedback from attendees

‘What I’ve learnt today will be invaluable to all, on a personal level, educational and occupational. Thank you for this opportunity to develop my skills in order to better support others.”

“I liked the fact that it is about empowering students and giving us a tool kit to help them improve their psychological fitness.”

“Particularly enjoyed the variety of attendees and differing experiences.”

This is Gravity’s Director – Planning & Economic Development, Claire Pearce commented: “Seeing Bounce Forward continue its important work following their introduction to the locality in 2021 is important to us and continues to build a positive legacy. Building the confidence of local young people is a critical component in the creation of a happy healthy workforce of tomorrow. We look forward to seeing further partnerships between stakeholders and schools to support our young people into the future”

Bounce Forward Founder & Chair, Lucy Bailey commented: “It was wonderful to have a broad mix of organisations and experience in the room together. So many rich conversations and having been equipped with a full suite of learning resources, those attending shared lots of creative ideas for taking the work forward. What we offer at Bounce Forward will add value and complement the full range of support already available to students at the college and I am excited to see how it evolves.”

Bridgwater & Taunton College Executive Project Lead, Chris Ridgwell commented “We were pleased to be able to host this event through the Local Skills Improvement Fund; bringing together employers from our region who are supporting young people as they begin their careers.

Bounce Forward’s expertise has given our employees the skills and abilities to support their colleagues, demonstrating the significant impact of such partnerships on local skills development.”

Learn more about Bounce Forward’s work in Bridgwater here.

Visit the Bounce Forward website here.

About Bounce Forward

Bounce Forward is a national charity delivering inspiring and practical train the trainer programmes to develop the next generations of psychologically fit children who will become psychologically fit adults. Our training programmes engage teachers, parents and others around children and young people to develop psychological fitness. Psychological fitness combines mental resilience and emotional wellbeing, both key attributes needed for success in the 21st century. We provide a framework of skills, based on a development model so that young people are better placed to face the complexities of tomorrow and make the most of their future. Our core offer is a five-year, evidence-based curriculum that can be embedded in the secondary school offer. Our impact and passion go beyond the delivery of training and teaching resources – at the heart of our work is research and we are driving a movement to influence UK policy around education to form a positive system of change. (Charity number: 1170591).

Gravity congratulates Taunton-based Lendology CIC on its win at the Somerset Business Awards 2024 

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Somerset Business Awards 2024 

In a vibrant celebration of innovation and business excellence, the Somerset Business Awards 2024, organised by the Somerset Chamber of Commerce, showcased the remarkable achievements of local enterprises. With almost two decades of history, the awards have become a cornerstone event, recognising the resilience, creativity, and sustainable practices that define Somerset’s business landscape. This is Gravity’s Programme Director, Paul Lowndes, was in attendance, underscoring the event’s importance in fostering a thriving business community in Somerset

At the grand final Lendology CIC scooped the Gravity sponsored ‘Environmental and Sustainability Award’.

View the full list of winners on the night here.

This is Gravity’s Programme Director, Paul Lowndes, commented: “Across Gravity’s four years of sponsorship we have noticed a ratcheting up of the submission standards, with this award clearly inspiring the efforts of Somerset’s environmentally conscious businesses. Lendology CIC were awarded the Environmental & Sustainability Award for their demonstrable commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable finance. I have huge respect for Cookswood Development – Lomax Design and Build and Zebra EM, both worthy finalists and most unfortunate to come up against Lendology CIC.

Lendology CIC commented: “This recognition means the world to us at Lendology CIC, as it underscores our commitment to supporting homeowners to invest in their properties to become greener and more sustainable through our partnerships with local councils.”

Somerset Chamber Chief Executive, Emma Rawlings, said: “We know many have faced some extremely challenging trading conditions again this last 12 months, so it was encouraging to hear about the successes of our finalists and winners and to be able to help them celebrate through the awards.”

Learn more about Lendology CIC by visiting their website.

About Gravity

Gravity is the UK’s first strategic commercial smart campus and a blueprint for a ‘cleaner’, smarter future. Anchored by the 40Gwh Agratas Gigafactory, the campus is now the catalyst for economic transformation across the South West. Delivering the Gravity campus will support the wider efforts towards transport decarbonisation as well as the UK’s acceleration progress on electrification.

Our site is at the heart of an ideal ecosystem and is the platform of choice to stimulate home-grown advanced battery manufacturing, it offers unrivalled connectivity, planning flexibility and access to world-class assets and talent pool with expertise in innovation and clean growth. Underpinning the ability to serve a multitude of customers across sectors in the transition to a net zero economy.

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