Discover
The Campus
The Team
Resources
Community
Enquire

Smart
Campus

Why Gravity
Our Story
Resources
Community
Invest
Contact

Rob Stevens

Gravity Look Ahead – Q1 2025

by

January – March

Following Somerset Council’s approval of the site’s first major building through the Local Development Order (LDO) compliance process, on-site activity will increase. 2025 will see the commencement of construction of the first battery cell manufacturing facility ‘Building One’.

This is Gravity (TIG) continues to support the delivery of the battery cell manufacturing facility and the development of site infrastructure and wider campus amenities. TIG is also in discussions with the Council as to the development of the balance of the site.

Gravity Site works

  • TIG contractors are monitoring the landscaping on the link road (Enterprise Way) and replacing, as necessary until completion is formally singed off.
  • Ground works and foundation construction (piling) continues for Agratas’s first building on site, view their videos here.
  • The formal completion and adoption of Enterprise Way by Somerset Council is expected after snagging has been completed by the contractor. Works will then start on the Village Enhancement Scheme (VES), which includes a pedestrian and cycle path connecting Purtion and Woolavington and traffic calming measures.
  • National Grid will by early February be communicating with local residents to introduce its role in the Gravity development and share plans to build a new substation on the Gravity site. They are a key enabler to provide the necessary infrastructure for the whole of Gravity.
  • Site preparation and early works will continue, including material import and management.
  • Work to recycle site material will continue.

Other matters

  • Formal governance arrangements required under the LDO with the Council and other partners are now in place
  • Enquiries- the respective teams will continue to support and respond to enquiries.

Contact Gravity

Contact Agratas

Contact Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM)

View and download PDF here.

Gravity Programme Director is guest speaker at Sedgemoor FM Business Breakfast

by

Gravity’s Programme Director, Paul Lowndes, was the guest speaker at the October edition of Sedgemoor FM’s Business Breakfast series. Paul introduced Gravity, highlighting its unique site features and discussing the regional context that shapes its vision for the future.

He also covered Gravity’s successful material management strategy, which has avoided the discharge of 25 million tonnes of carbon up to the end of August 2023. Additionally, Paul emphasised key project milestones and the importance of Gravity’s community partnerships with local stakeholders.

Reflecting on the event, Paul commented: “I want to thank Sedgemoor FM for the kind invitation to present at what is a growing network of like-minded businesses. It was fantastic to see a room full of genuinely engaged people eager to learn more about the opportunities emerging in the area where they live and work.”

Learn more about Sedgemoor FM Business networking events here.

Gravity wins South West Property Deal of the Year at Insider Awards 2024

by
Gravity wins at the Insider South West Property Awards 2024, securing the title of 'Property Deal of the Year'.

Bristol, October 10, 2024 – Gravity is thrilled to announce its win at the Insider South West Property Awards 2024, securing the title of ‘Property Deal of the Year’. The event, held in Bristol, recognised the most significant property transactions in the region.

Gravity’s landmark sale of a significant proportion of the site to Agratas, Tata Group’s global battery business, stood out among other notable regional deals. This milestone transaction underscores Gravity’s commitment to deliver on its vision of creating a modern employment hub underpinned by clean growth sectors.

Martin Bellmay, Gravity Chairman, commented: “The Agratas deal is truly a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and we extend our thanks to everyone who has supported our vision to reach this milestone. The delivery of this gigafactory is just the start for Gravity as we shift into project delivery.”

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 Look Ahead – Q4 2024

by

October – December

As we move into Autumn, activity at the Gravity site will continue to accelerate. This is Gravity (TIG) continues to support the delivery of the advanced battery manufacturing facility, site infrastructure and wider campus amenities.

Summer saw Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM) appointed by Agratas for the construction of the first major building on site – Building One.

Gravity Site works

  • Site preparation for Agratas will continue, including material import and management.
  • Work to recycle site material will continue.
  • TIG contractors will be monitoring the new landscaping on the link road (Enterprise Way) and replacing, as necessary, to ensure completion as soon as possible.
  • Ground works and foundation construction (piling) continues for Agratas’s first building on site.
  • Work is well underway to open the new main entrance to site directly from the Woolavington Road roundabout, reducing the proportion of construction vehicles utilising Woolavington Road.
  • Environmental monitoring equipment to report on noise and air conditions has been installed. Data from this equipment will be reported to the Council governance groups, once fully established.
  • The formal completion and adoption of Enterprise Way by Somerset Council is expected after snagging has been completed by the contractor. Works will then start on the Village Enhancement Scheme (VES), which includes a pedestrian and cycle path connecting Purtion and Woolavington and traffic calming measures.
  • Following meetings with local stakeholders, National Grid will soon be communicating with local residents to introduce plans to build a new substation on the Gravity site. They are a key enabler to provide the necessary infrastructure for the whole of Gravity

Other matters

  • Gravity welcomes David Oakhill as its Director of Planning and Economic Development.
  • Ground investigations will continue throughout the autumn months.
  • Formal governance arrangements required under the LDO with the Council and other partners are now in place.
  • Enquiries – the respective teams will continue to support and respond to enquiries.

Contact Gravity

Contact Agratas

Download PDF here.

Gravity Chairman shares insights into Somerset’s growth opportunities

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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  

by

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

by

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.  

Useful Links

Gravity updates

I want to receive emails about:

#ThisisGravity

Icon-linked-icon
  • This is Gravity Limited 2026
Twitter
Linkedin-in

We're sorry to see you go!



The site uses cookies to enhance your user experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Find out more.

Got It

Company Name

Text about the company etc…

www.linktowebsite.com