5G trial agreed to support operations at Bristol Port and Gravity Smart Campus

The West of England Combined Authority (WECA) has secured over £3m from the Government to test how the country can seize the full benefits of 5G and help businesses harness the power of modern technology.

WECA’s 5G Logistics project programme will develop 5G products and services to support operations at Bristol Port and Gravity Smart Campus. 

The West of England Combined Authority (WECA) has secured over £3m from the Government to test how the country can seize the full benefits of 5G and help businesses harness the power of modern technology.

WECA’s 5G Logistics project programme will develop 5G products and services to support operations at Bristol Port and Gravity Smart Campus and demonstrate a smart and dynamic port environment. The project will focus on security, traceability, and real-time tracking of goods within and across extendable virtual boundaries – and between public and private networks.

It will demonstrate how 5G private network capabilities can offer efficiency and productivity improvements to the logistics sector and more widely, allowing real-time location tracking of individual items, improvements to road traffic management and replacing low value, manually-intensive processes with 5G enabled autonomous systems. The project offers the potential for such advances in technology to be implemented industry-wide; including at other ports in the UK, Enterprise Zones or other business parks.

The Government has backed the project with £3m as part of its 5G Create competition – which supports innovators exploring new uses for 5G to help improve people’s lives and boost businesses.

West of England Mayor Tim Bowles said:

“5G has the potential to revolutionise whole industries and economies, creating exciting new jobs and opportunities. I want the West of England to be at the forefront of this revolution.

We have already led one successful trial and I’m thrilled that our plan to demonstrate how a smart and secure port could operate using the Internet of Things has been approved for funding by the Government. Backing innovation and the jobs of the future and bringing new investment to the region by securing a Freeport are key parts of our plan for economic recovery, so this is a big vote of confidence in the West of England.”

WECA is leading a consortium of partners on the £5.2m 5G Logistics project – one of nine projects to receive government funding – which includes companies ADVA Ltd, Airspan, AttoCore, Bristol Port, Cellnex UK, Gravity, Maritime, Unmanned Life, Bristol City Council, Bristol University and Cardiff University. 5G is the type of cutting-edge technical innovation that the West of England is looking to embrace with its forthcoming Freeport bid.

The Government wants technology to form part of its wider strategy for the border. It aims to establish resilient ‘ports of the future’ at border crossing points to make the experience smoother and more secure for travellers and traders, while better protecting the public and environment.

Technology can play an important role in making freeports as accessible as possible for traders. The Government consulted publicly on the UK’s future border strategy last summer, seeking views on how it can make the UK’s border the most effective in the world. The opportunities presented by a technology-enabled border was a major theme of the responses.

Matt Warman, Minister for Digital Infrastructure said:

“This trailblazing project – funded through our £200 million 5G trials programme – will explore how revolutionary new 5G connectivity could make our ports more efficient and secure as we attract major investment from across the globe post-Brexit. I look forward to seeing it in action.”

Steve West, Chair of the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership, said:

“Testing new ways of delivering services and harnessing this new technology could hold the key to a more connected, more advanced and sustainable future for the West of England.

Super-fast and ultra-reliable 5G is expected to offer an increased level of connectivity and new opportunities for businesses, including better remote working, and is likely to bring significant business growth opportunities for our region’s tech sector.”

Gravity appoints Arup as Digital Master Planners

Somerset, July 31, 2020 – Arup has been appointed to develop the digital vision and digital master plan for Gravity. Strategically located in the South West of the UK, Gravity is a sustainable and smart campus where new innovators can grow and established technology giants can experiment and scale.

“To meet the challenges of the future, the UK must shift to a cleaner economy that embraces innovation by creating spaces that allow forward-thinking companies and local communities to thrive,” states Martin Bellamy, Gravity’s Chairman & CEO.

A team of digital experts from Arup will inform and strengthen the planning vision, infrastructure plans, digital systems and human experiences. This will embed Gravity’s vision in foundational technology, campus services and tenant core business operations to ensure long term impact.

Claire Pearce, Gravity’s Director of Planning & Economic Development, says “the requirements of tenants are shifting. The needs of their workforce are changing. We need a holistic yet deep understanding of technology requirements and what it can enable for our customers. The team from Arup will provide this for us”.

Paul McConnell, Arup’s Head of Digital Studio, ” we are committed to the evolution of a technology enabled and human-centric campus which is epitomised in Gravity. We share Gravity’s goals of creating a vibrant clean growth community and encouraging new ways for people to interact and work healthier and happier.”

The Arup team will provide a range of technology advisory services, experience design insights, sustainability consulting, business case development and integration/operational readiness services. The approach brings experience, lessons learned and proven delivery approaches from supporting programmes in the region and across the UK. Arup will partner with a consortium of local, regional and national organisations throughout the programme.

Pearce explains that “our team and Arup will bring together unique skills and experience to enable the Gravity campus to deliver for future tenants and the surrounding communities. Establishing a high standard for future technology in the South West and beyond.”

One of Arup’s long-standing fundamental aims is to serve society and deliver meaningful work for a more sustainable development within the built environment. Arup has been committed to the 17 UN Sustainability Development Goals (UNSDGs) by adjusting business practices and identifying the potential of emerging technology to play a role.

Gravity www.thisisgravity.co.uk Arupwww.arup.com

Gravity Chairman Martin Ballamy interviews Ian Liddell-Grainger

London, June 11, 2020 – Gravity chairman interviews the MP for Bridgwater & West Somerset, Ian Liddell-Grainger. The discussion centered on the progress Gravity has achieved to date, the project’s positive influence on the wider region, and the vision for the future.

We have a site [Gravity] where we can train people, build on it straight away and get your product in and out. We do all the things you [Elon Musk] would like as a tech entrepreneur and make it work for you. And make it work in a way that you can be proud of and that we can be proud of.

Ian Liddell-Grainger

Watch the full interview

For more information, download the Gravity brochure and sign up to our newsletter via our website footer.

Somerset feels the force of Gravity

It is not often that you hear Silicon Valley tech giants, a car battery gigafactory and a massive coronavirus vaccine facility all associated with a single spec-built business park, especially one being constructed in a corner of rural Somerset with limited transport connections. Then again, the 635-acre Gravity is no ordinary business park.

Click here to read the full article.

Gravity Chairman, Martin Bellamy discusses regional investment with the BBC

Chairman discusses regional investment with the BBC

London, March 5, 2020 – Gravity, the UK’s first commercial smart campus – the blueprint for a smarter, cleaner future was featured on the BBC Ten O’clock News last night regarding the need for the South West not to be overlooked in the Budget.

Our Chairman, Martin Bellamy, spoke with Alex Forsyth about the need for greater regional investment from Government, enabling the South West’s infrastructure and mobility offering to develop in line with the rest of the UK. This interview comes in response to the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government ambition to “level up” economic performance in all parts of the country.

You can watch the full interview below

Partners in the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership  have submitted a proposal to the Government on its levelling up agenda: Rebalancing the Economy  and the Great South West consortium has written to the Treasury asking for £2m in the Budget to help kick start plans to create the UK’s first clean energy powerhouse, in which Gravity plays a pivotal role

About Gravity

Gravity, the UK’s first commercial smart campus, is the blueprint for a smarter, cleaner future – faster. It will deliver a new era of possibility by supporting companies making a difference socially, economically and environmentally, driving the UK’s shift to growing through a cleaner economy.

With direct access to the M5 and accessible by rail, air and sea, the site offers over 635 acres for the creation of millions of sq ft of scalable, flexible and shared working space.

Multinationals and start-ups will benefit from the excellent connectivity and speed of build out Gravity offers. By attracting today’s giants and tomorrow’s unicorns, there will be significant opportunities for collaboration.

With its on-site water provision, renewable and low carbon energy infrastructure and building energy management, dark fibre, excellent transport links, accessible talent pool and knowledge economy including four top-tier universities close by, Gravity provides occupiers with the ability to build, expand, and develop faster and efficiently.

Gravity and Albion Water, working towards a low-carbon water management campus

Gravity-Smart-Campus-Appoints-Albion-Water

This is Gravity ltd, the landowner of a 635-acre site at the Heart of the South West have appointed Albion Water as their Water Solutions Partner to help provide water, sewerage and drainage for their new Smart Campus in Somerset.

Gravity is set to be one of Europe’s largest smart campuses, underpinned by clean technology. Gravity’s design – informed through consultation with a team of economic analysts as well as sustainability and environmental specialists – responds to the shifting global trends in consumption, energy use, automation, and digitalisation, creating thousands of long-term jobs. Albion Water’s role as Water Solutions Partner will play a key part of this, as they ensure the provision of:

  • water management system that minimises waste and maximises the recycling of water
  • cost effective, efficient and innovative water solutions

This appointment combines the capabilities of Gravity and Albion Water to allow both entities to capitalise on the strong and accelerating demand for a low-carbon water future on campus, where water users can reduce consumption, recycle and manage water locally.  This will reduce energy usage and associated carbon emissions and ensures local rivers and streams retain more water.

This announcement comes off the back of Gravity’s recent appointment of JLL as commercial agents and their 50-year agreement to develop clean energy solutions with E.ON.

In 2019, the UK became the first major global economy to pledge to be net-zero by 2050 and alongside This is Gravity, E.ON, JLL and Albion Water are supporting the blueprint of how business users can make their net-zero commitments a reality.

Luke de Vial, Managing Director of Albion Water

“We are impressed with the quality of the Gravity team and their plans to make this ground-breaking Smart Campus a new low-carbon standard for industrial development. Through this engagement, we are confident that occupants at Gravity will reduce their environmental impact with a water management system that minimises waste and maximises the recycling of water.”

Paul Lowndes, Project Manager This is Gravity

“We are looking at ways to reduce the need for freshwater as well as be smart about how the occupants at Gravity will use water.  Saving on freshwater can not only significantly reduce our occupants’ carbon footprint, it will also result in a reduction in utilities bills.”

 

Notes to Editors:

About Gravity

www.thisisgravity.co.uk

A blueprint for a smarter, cleaner future – faster

Gravity, the UK’s first commercial smart campus, is the blueprint for a smarter, cleaner future – faster. It will deliver a new era of possibility by supporting companies making a difference socially, economically and environmentally, driving the UK’s shift to growing through a cleaner economy.

With direct access to the M5 and accessible by rail,air and sea, the site offers over 616 acres for the creation of millions of sq ft of scalable, flexible and shared working space.

Multinationals and start-ups will benefit from the excellent connectivity and speed of build out Gravity offers. By attracting today’s giants and tomorrow’s unicorns, there will be significant opportunities for collaboration.

With its onsite clean energy and water solutions, dark fibre, excellent transport links, local talent pool and knowledge economy, including four top-tier universities close by, Gravity provides occupiers with the ability to build, expand, and develop faster and efficiently.

About Albion Water

https://www.albionwater.co.uk/

About Albion Water

Albion Water provides cost effective, efficient and innovative water solutions for housing developments and industrial and commercial clients throughout England and Wales.

When Albion Water was licensed by the Water Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat) in 1999, it was as the first new entrant to compete against the monopoly water companies in England.

It has established an exemplary quality and environmental record, building a hard-won reputation as a water company prepared to innovate and to promote a better, more responsive water industry.

Legally, they have the same powers and responsibilities as any other water company in England and Wales. Where they differ is in their determination to provide a different level of service to our customers – water, waste water, drainage and wider environmental services, providing a sustainable offering with commercial and environmental benefits to all customers.

Gravity to speak at industry event

gravity-to-deliver-keynote-at-industry-event-movers-and-shakers

London, 27 January 2020 – This is Gravity Ltd, the landowner of 635 acres in Bridgwater, near Bristol, is delighted to announce its Chairman and Co-CEO Martin Bellamy will be delivering a key note speech at  Movers & Shakers event, “How does the real estate market place deliver change”, in Bristol.

Martin Bellamy said, “We believe that the next phase of growth in the South West will come from placemaking masterplans – such as Gravity. As land developers,  we need to look beyond office space and ensure that we are creating working environments that appeal to both employers and investors so we can compete internationally.”

Find out more about our attendance at Movers & Shakers click here.

To arrange a meeting with The Gravity team at this event please email info@thisisgravity.co.uk

This is Gravity Ltd, instructs JLL on the UK’s smartest and cleanest new campus

Gravity appoints JLL
  • Gravity, a 635 acre brownfield site in Somerset is set to become a blueprint for future smart and clean campuses
  • The campus aims to accelerate the UK’s clean growth agenda
  • JLL has been appointed to bring the world’s most innovative companies and the UK’s future unicorns to Gravity

LONDON 22 January 2020– This is Gravity ltd, the landowner of a 635-acre brownfield site in Bridgwater, South West England, has appointed JLL as sole agent for its smart campus (Gravity) in Somerset, which is currently under development.

This is Gravity ltd, the landowner of a 635-acre brownfield site in Bridgwater, South West England, has appointed JLL as sole agent for its smart campus, Gravity, which is currently under development.

Gravity will attract responsible and fast-growing companies associated with advanced manufacturing, robotics, artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, assembly and distribution space, R&D and offices. By attracting today’s giants and tomorrow’s unicorns, there will also be significant opportunities for collaboration.

The site is strategically located in the south-west of England, with direct access to Jn 23 of the M5, on-site freight and passenger rail terminals, proximity to Bristol international airport, and Bristol deep seaport.

With onsite clean energy solutions, resilient dark fibre, unrivalled transport links, accessible talent pool and knowledge economy, including four top-tier universities close by, Gravity’s flat site provides occupiers with the ability to build, expand, and develop faster and efficiently.

To enable Gravity to deliver its clean energy promise, it has signed a 50-year agreement with E.ON to provide bespoke renewable and low-carbon on-site energy solutions. These are anticipated to be on-site from autumn 2020 at the same time as completion of the link road direct to the M5 is expected.

Gravity will be a centre for clean growth, employment and the talent and technology of the future. The smart campus’s design – informed through consultation with a team of economic analysts, sustainability and environmental specialists – responds to the shifting global trends in consumption, energy use, automation and digitalization, creating thousands of long-term jobs.

Tom Curtis, Co-CEO, Gravity, said; “

At Gravity, we are committed to creating a connected and sustainable mixed-use smart campus which will attract some of the world’s most innovative and forward-thinking companies. Amongst many other attributes, JLL’s commitment to sustainability ensures that they are the perfect fit for this scheme. From start-up tech leaders of tomorrow to established multinationals and experts in advanced manufacturing, we believe that this site will deliver R&D as a result of knowledge sharing and harnessing the region’s talent from its leading universities and colleges. Underpinning this philosophy is a clear commitment to help drive the UK’s Clean Growth agenda.”

Chris Ireland, JLL’s UK CEO, said: “We look forward to working with This is Gravity ltd, to create their vision and attract leading businesses to the site. In Gravity we are partnering with someone who are also focused on what’s good for business and for a more sustainable future. JLL’s progressive approach means we’re integrating sustainability into all our advice in order to work with clients such as Gravity to maximise the benefits of a sustainable approach across the property sector.”

– ends –

For press enquiries, please contact:

Jamie Bullen, Blackstock Consulting, jamie@blackstock.co.uk, 07718158717
Billy Moran, Blackstock Consulting, billy@blackstock.co.uk

Notes to editors:

About This is Gravity ltd.

For further information, visit thisisgravity.co.uk

Gravity, the UK’s first commercial smart campus, is the blueprint for a smarter, cleaner future – faster. It will deliver a new era of possibility by supporting companies making a difference socially, economically and environmentally, driving the UK’s shift to growing through a cleaner economy.

With direct access to the M5 and accessible by rail, air and sea, the site offers over 616 acres for the creation of millions of sq ft of scalable, flexible and shared working space.

Multinationals and start-ups will benefit from the excellent connectivity and speed of build out Gravity offers. By attracting today’s giants and tomorrow’s unicorns, there will be significant opportunities for collaboration.

With its onsite clean energy solutions, dark fibre, excellent transport links, local talent pool and knowledge economy including four top-tier universities close by, Gravity provides occupiers with the ability to build, expand, and develop faster and efficiently.

About JLL

JLL (NYSE: JLL) is a leading professional services firm that specializes in real estate and investment management. Our vision is to reimagine the world of real estate, creating rewarding opportunities and amazing spaces where people can achieve their ambitions. In doing so, we will build a better tomorrow for our clients, our people and our communities. JLL is a Fortune 500 company with annual revenue of $16.3 billion, operations in over 80 countries and a global workforce of nearly 92,000 as of June 30, 2019. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For further information, visit jll.co.uk

Londoners continue to leave the capital for Bristol

gravity-londoners-moving-to-bristol

It appears the trend of Londoners moving to Bristol is growing. In 2017, it was reported that London suffered a net loss of 1,030 people to Bristol – or nearly three a day. Published in the Telegraph on January 14, 2020, the pull of Bristol is once again in the news as the capital’s workforce continues the move to Bristol, tempted by the prospect of more affordable housing, diverse job opportunities, and the growing cultural significance of the city. Bristol also has the accolade of recently being named as one of Europe’s top cultural and creative cities in a report by the European Commission.

The trend of Londoners opting to move to the South West is likely to continue as the electrification of Great western lines between Bristol and London will reduce commuter journey times.

Another quality attracting people is that Bristol finds itself is on the front-line in the battle against climate change, with it being recognised as the UK’s greenest city, scoring highly for recycling and air quality.

Many of the reasons above are why we choose Somerset as the location for our Smart Campus, Gravity. Gravity is the blueprint for a smarter, cleaner future. It brings together cutting-edge businesses that will make a difference socially, economically, and environmentally. Somerset’s attraction for businesses and innovation is due to this region being the epicenter for transport, talent and having enormous potential to lead the UK’s push towards meeting net-zero targets. And if that was not enough to whet our appetite, being a short distance from Bristol, recently named “coolest city in Europe”  by National Geographic certainly was.

Martin Bellamy: Sedgemoor Business Conference

Our CEO,  Martin Bellamy, will be speaking at the upcoming ‘Well Connected for Growth, organised by Sedgemoor District Council, held on December 6th.

The conference  will be an opportunity to learn about the potential for growth across the region and in particular along the M5 corridor.​

Martin Bellamy will be speaking about the future growth of Gravity and the hopes for it becoming a beacon for the developing clean growth economy in the South West. 

To book tickets for this event click here.

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