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Community News

Gravity joins Agratas and National Grid at community consultation events

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Gravity joins Agratas and National Grid (NGET) at community consultation events

Representatives from Gravity attended three community consultation events hosted in Puriton and Woolavington between April 1st and April 5th.

Across the events, Agratas discussed their latest plans for ‘Building One’ and the proposed ring road. National Grid Energy Transmission (NGET) were at the consultation events presenting their plans for the proposed Woolavington substation, which will power the Agratas facility, as well as wider
parts of the Gravity Smart Campus.

Agratas’ display boards were presented with the details, which you can find here.

  • Feedback on Agratas’ latest plans can be submitted here.
  • Feedback on NGET’s proposed substation can be submitted here.

Gravity Look Ahead – Q2 2025

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April – June

The new Enterprise Way site access opened during Q1, while the former site entrance will still be used as needed. In early April, community consultation events were held regarding the proposed ring road, amendments to Building One and the NGET substation.

To connect the site to essential utilities, sections of Woolavington Road (between Enterprise Way and Woolavington Village) will be closed in phases, starting April 14th and lasting up to five months. Somerset Council will share finalised details on which parts will be closed when. All residents and businesses on Woolavington Road will have access to their properties throughout the closures.
Click here for more information.

Gravity Site works

  • TIG contractors are monitoring the landscaping on the link road (Enterprise Way) and replacing, as necessary until completion is formally signed off.
  • Substructures for the first phase of the build are now complete, and a subcontractor has been selected for the structural steel with initial order placed, targeting June 2025 commencement on site.
  • 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 Electricity Transmission (NGET) was also present at the April community consultation sessions to discuss plans for their proposed substation, which will power the Agratas facility and wider parts of the Gravity Smart Campus.
  • 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 the PDF version here.

Somerset Council announces Woolavington Road closure to facilitate site utility provision

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Somerset Council announces Woolavington Road closure to facilitate site utility provision

As spring approaches, roadworks to extend utilities to Agratas and Gravity progress closer to the site, requiring local road closures to facilitate the work.

To connect the site to the necessary utilities, sections of Woolavington Road between Enterprise Way roundabout and Woolavington Village will be closed in phases, starting from April 14th, lasting up to five months.

Details of which sections will be closed when will be shared by Somerset Council locally when they have been finalised. All residents and businesses on Woolavington Road will be catered for and will be able to access their properties throughout these closures.

Gravity and Agratas’ contractors will be doing their best to complete the works in less than five months. 

Somerset Council’s Traffic Management Team has been liaising with contractors to coordinate their work and make sure they access to the road together, instead of the road needing to be closed multiple times. 

Follow this link for more information.

Gravity to join Agratas at series of community consultation sessions

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Gravity will join Agratas at the upcoming community consultation sessions planned for early April. The sessions are designed to keep residents informed and will provide an opportunity for community members to:

  • Review the proposed new ring road design
  • Explore first-phase building adaptations
  • Provide direct feedback on project developments

Event details:

  • 1st April – Woolavington Village Hall – 17:00-19:00
  • 2nd April – Puriton Primary School – 17:00-19:00
  • 5th April – Puriton Primary School – 12:00-14:00

Local communities can stay updated on event details by following the Agratas WhatsApp channel.

Gravity Look Ahead – Q1 2025

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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 Look Ahead – Q4 2024

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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.

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

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

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’s New ‘37’ Confirmed

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Gravity’s New ‘37’ Confirmed

This is Gravity Ltd has confirmed that it will be replacing the leisure facilities currently hosted at the 37 Club at the former Royal Ordnance Factory, on the new Gravity smart campus. The new leisure facility will be open to the public as well as the campus workforce.

Martin Bellamy, Chairman and CEO of Gravity, said: ‘After very careful consideration, we have agreed that the replacement of the core 37 club facilities, should remain on the Gravity smart campus site. We believe this is important for historic reasons to ensure an ongoing legacy from the former ROF facility and to ensure the leisure facilities remain immediately accessible to the villages and communities adjoining the campus’.

A meeting was held with the members and community to discuss initial plans. These plans have been revised to take on board the views expressed, and the plans will be displayed at the 37 club for member information over the coming weeks.

The name of the new facility has not yet been agreed and we welcome member feedback on this: our working title is ‘The 37’.

The new facility will be directly connected to the Village Enhancement Scheme – a walking and cycling route to connect Puriton and Woolavington villages and will include a café, bar, skittles and snooker facilities and will be open to the community during the day and at weekends.

A planning compliance submission under the Gravity Local Development Order (LDO) will be made to the Council in April and we anticipate work will start work in the summer and the new facility will be open early in the new year.

All skittles bookings will be honoured and moved across and we will work with staff, members and the community to manage the change.

Pete Bamber, current tenant of the 37 Club confirmed ‘I will be working closely with the Gravity team to ensure a smooth transition’.  

The current building, originally intended as a temporary, has consent for demolition as part of the campus LDO, resulting in an obligation to replace the facilities to ensure leisure facilities are retained.

We hope that the new 37 will be open to both existing and new customers to sustain it into the future.

About Gravity

Gravity is the UK’s leading strategic smart campus, anchored by the 40Gwh Agratas Gigafactory. It is now a catalyst for economic transformation across the South West. Delivering the campus will support transport decarbonisation and fast-track the UK’s electrification goals.

Gravity is at the heart of an innovation 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 research and development in clean growth – underpinning the ability to serve a multitude of customers across all sectors in the transition to a net zero economy.

For more information about the Gravity Campus visit thisisgravity.co.uk

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