Improving local transport links, creating new ‘green’ multi-use paths and future ‘smart’ transport solutions were just a few of the topics explored at Gravity’s community webinar held on 17 March 2021.
Entitled ‘Gravity: connecting communities with smart and sustainable transport’, the webinar considered how the project to create the UK’s first smart campus and community aims to deliver a step change improvement for connectivity in the local area.
Speakers explained how the scheme, which is based on the site of the former Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF) between Puriton and Woolavington, will be brought forward with a sustainable transport infrastructure that delivers local benefits, including enhanced connections between the surrounding villages.
Sam Harper, senior associate planner at Stantec, started the session by outlining the vision for Gravity to be a beacon of clean and inclusive growth, driving the UK’s shift towards a zero-carbon economy – and the need to adapt plans approved for the site in 2017.
Sam explained how infrastructure is a key part of this vision with work already underway to put it into place, including the construction of a link road between the site and the A39, along with improvements to J23 of the M5.
Discussing Gravity’s commitment to support people’s access to, and enjoyment of, the countryside, Sam outlined the plan to install a ‘green bridge’ over the link road to allow users of an existing bridal way a safe crossing. The creation of a new multi-use cycle and pedestrian path between Puriton and Woolavington was also covered.
Mike O’Dowd-Jones, strategic commissioner for highways and transport services at Somerset County Council, discussed how the proposal for a ‘clean and inclusive’ Gravity was taking shape in response to the context of the Somerset’s Climate Emergency Strategy and the county’s goal to be carbon neutral by 2030.
Scott Witchalls director transport and infrastructure at Stantec considered how Gravity aims to help meet this goal. Measures being considered include supporting the use of public transport, importantly this includes the project’s ambition to reinstate a railway station and railway line that used to serve the ROF. The scheme will also provide infrastructure for electric vehicles; and, in the longer term, and aim to support the use of ‘smart mobility’ such as automated (driverless) vehicles.
Ben Lowndes of Social, Gravity’s public engagement consultant, explained how people can get in touch with Gravity and share their views about any aspect of the project to help shape the proposals.
Following the Gravity team presentation, there was a question and answer session. Topics discussed included the inclusive design of the new pathway between Puriton and Woolavington, which will be suitable for pedestrians, wheelchairs, and all types of bicycles; and the scheme’s commitment to sourcing low carbon energy solutions with its energy partner E.ON.
The team also discussed connectivity across the M5 to create routes for walking and cycling to Bridgwater and beyond.
‘Gravity: connecting communities with smart and sustainable transport’ was the second in a series of virtual public events about Gravity to be held throughout 2021. These events are part of an extensive process of engagement and consultation that aims to ensure that what is proposed for Gravity creates benefits for the local area and its communities.
Members of the public are invited to stay up to date by signing-up for Gravity’s e-newsletter by contacting gravity@social.co.uk or calling 0330 1070 535.
The full recording of the webinar can be found here.
The first webinar, ‘Gravity: what’s next?’, is available here.
