We would to thank everyone who joined us at our Somerset events in Puriton and Woolavington over the last week. Your feedback is important to us and we appreciate you taking the time to come along to chat to us.
At the events we discussed our latest plans for building one and the proposed ring road. Display boards were presented with the details, which you can find here.
If you’d like to provide feedback on our latest plans, please complete this form.
Further to information shared by Somerset Council, we are writing to provide more details on the phased closures of Woolavington Road that are scheduled to start on Monday 14 April 2025.
This vital work will connect the Gravity and Agratas sites to various utilities, including electricity and gas. This requires the phased closure of sections of Woolavington Road between the Enterprise Way roundabout and Woolavington Village.
These closures will start from Monday 14 April and last for up to 5 months in total. Please be assured that all residents and businesses on Woolavington Road will be able to access their properties throughout these closures. General traffic will need to follow the diversion via Puriton Hill and Bath Road to travel between Puriton and Woolavington.
The phased closures will begin with the areas marked in Yellow (Section 5) and Green (Section 3) on the plan picture.
Once these sections are completed, the works will move over to the areas marked in Blue (Section 2) and Red (Section 4), which will then be followed by the final areas marked in Orange (Section 0) and Purple (Section 1). Once these phases are completed, the contractors will set up more limited traffic management to carry out finishing work, including cable pulling.
These first phases are expected to last for up to 12 weeks and will be carried out by M & A Doocey Civil Engineering Limited on behalf of National Grid Electricity Distribution. *If you have questions during these phases please contact Kez Braham on 0121 520 9874.
Further phases will be carried out by Wales and West Utilities. We will write again to notify you of the expected dates and locations of the next phases of the closures in due course.
We appreciate that these necessary works will cause some disruption, and we thank you for your patience as we prepare for main construction on the Gravity and Agratas sites.
If you have any questions or concerns about these closures and the project overall please email the team via communityuk@agratas.net
We’re committed to keeping our communities at the heart of what we do. We understand how important our project is to the Somerset region, especially to Puriton and Woolavington. That’s why we’re launching a series of community consultation events, to showcase our latest proposals and hear your feedback.
Our proposals include:
Amendments to Building One in response to fast moving technology
Phase One of the Ring Road to serve both Building One and the NGET facilities
We’re also pleased to welcome National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET), who will be on hand to discuss plans for their proposed substation, which will power the Agratas facility, as well as wider parts of the Gravity Smart Campus. Event dates: 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
Come along to view our proposals, see what we have been doing on site and get an update on jobs and training. This forms part of the formal engagement process for two new LDO Compliance Applications relating to our proposals. Please join us to enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of cake from Somerset Larder.
Two hundred local engineers, mechanics, plumbers and electricians met with Agratas and its partners this week for the battery business’ second successful Supplier Engagement Day.
Agratas hosted the event in partnership with its contractor Sir Robert McAlpine and MEP Partners NG Bailey and T Clarke, which it is working with to deliver its multi-billion-pound battery manufacturing facility near Bridgwater.
Representatives from local businesses based in Somerset attended the event to find out about opportunities to work on the construction of the battery manufacturing facility.
The day began with a series of presentations from the hosts, who shared details of the mechanical, electrical and plumbing services that will be required for the buildings.
Attendees then took part in in-depth breakout sessions with NG Bailey and T Clarke. The sessions offered a valuable opportunity for local businesses to network with others in the sector, discuss potential partnerships, and to find out more about opportunities to work with the partners and with Agratas to help develop the facility over the course of the project. s
Representatives from the Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce, Somerset Chamber of Commerce, and Somerset Council, who are working closely with Agratas to develop the facility, were also present at the event.
Jefferson Weber, Head of UK Construction at Agratas, commented: “Our second supplier engagement day was a great success, and it was fantastic to speak to so many local Somerset businesses who will play a vital role in helping us build this nationally significant facility. We hope to work with many of the people we met today over the coming months and years as we continue to bring our vision to life.”
Agratas’ facility will design, develop and manufacture high-quality, high-performance, sustainable electric batteries once operational.
It is set to be the biggest battery facility in the country and by the early 2030s will contribute almost half of the projected battery manufacturing capacity required for the UK automotive sector.
The facility itself will create up to 4,000 new jobs in the area, with many thousands more expected to be created in the UK supply chain.
Last Friday, we were delighted to host the board members of the Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce at our Somerset site!
The visit included stunning views from the roof of one of the existing buildings and a tour of the site, showcasing the extensive progress we’ve made throughout 2024.
This Autumn, we proudly joined the Chamber as partner members. We’re excited about the opportunities this partnership brings and look forward to fostering a strong, lasting relationship with the Chamber in the years to come.
Say hello to Julia Wright and Peter Skinner, the proud owners of the popular Leather & Lace Bar & Grill in Chilton Polden, Bridgwater, and the driving force behind our on-site catering service, Pit Stop.
This collaboration began with a team outing to their restaurant, where a friendly chat about the facility build sparked an idea. Inspired by the conversation, Julie and Peter purchased an airstream catering van to bring their delicious food straight to our construction site during the early build phase.
Having Pit Stop on site perfectly aligns with our commitment to supporting local businesses while providing our construction team with fresh, high-quality breakfasts and lunches – all without needing to leave the site!
Julia says: “It’s been fantastic to support Agratas with fresh, locally sourced food while being part of this exciting project. We’re extremely excited to grow with you as the project progresses, and we can’t wait to serve you delicious meals when we have a proper kitchen onsite.
We’re very proud to use local supplies to create our menu. Our main supplier is Hunts Food Group, based right here in Bridgwater, who deliver daily and have been amazing in helping us find excellent quality products. For milk, eggs, and cheese, we rely on Barnetts Dairy in Catcott, while our meat comes from the Somerset Sausage Company in Wedmore. Bakery items are delivered fresh daily from Maisey’s Bakery in Highbridge, our pies are sourced from Thorners in Shepton Mallet, and pasties, which are always a hit, come from Proper Cornish. All our fresh fruit and vegetables are sourced through Fruit Corner in Bridgwater, ensuring top quality, market-fresh produce.
Being involved in this project has already allowed us to take on five more staff, which is so rewarding. It’s wonderful to provide opportunities for more lovely local people”.
This partnership exemplifies the best of local collaboration, sustainability, and community spirit. We’re delighted to have them on board, showcasing the best of local hospitality and keeping us fuelled for success!
On Tuesday 8th October, 340 people from local businesses attended an open day to hear about the opportunities to work on the development of the Agratas battery facility near Bridgwater.
In partnership with Agratas’ contractor, Sir Robert McAlpine, Agratas invited businesses operating in various sectors, including catering, offsite consolidation, and signage to hear updates on the Gravity Smart Campus development and explore future supplier opportunities.
David Crew, Managing Director, Somerset Chamber of Commerce, said: “Somerset has many skilled and talented businesses who are ready to help deliver this exciting project.
The supplier engagement day was very well-attended and informative, describing a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to be at the heart of the green revolution here in Somerset as vehicle manufacturers switch from fossil fuel vehicles to electric vehicles.
Somerset Chamber is looking forward to supporting local businesses, Agratas and its partners to mobilise and deliver this transformative project in our region.”
During the supplier engagement day, businesses were provided with a comprehensive project overview, detailing the objectives and significance of the Agratas facility. Attendees were updated on the site progress to date, highlighting key milestones achieved and the work packages currently being considered for future collaboration. The event offered valuable networking opportunities, enabling suppliers to connect, discuss potential partnerships, and engage at exhibition stands where they could ask questions and gain a deeper understanding into the project’s requirements.
Jefferson Weber, Head of UK Construction at Agratas, commented: “It was fantastic to see so much enthusiasm and expertise in the room at the first supplier engagement day for the Agratas facility in Bridgwater. While this is a nationally significant project, Agratas is committed to a local-first approach that provides opportunities for businesses and individuals across Somerset.”
Graham Lill, Project Director at Sir Robert McAlpine, said: “This supplier engagement day marks an exciting opportunity for us to connect with local businesses in Somerset. It highlights our commitment to collaborating with the community as we move forward with the Agratas facility project. Sir Robert McAlpine is proud to work alongside high-quality businesses from the region, and together, we can create a meaningful impact on the local economy.”
The Agratas site at Bridgwater is a multi-billion pound facility that will design, develop and manufacture high-quality, high-performance, sustainable electric batteries once operational. It is set to be the biggest battery facility in the country and by the early 2030s will contribute almost half of the projected battery manufacturing capacity required for the UK automotive sector.
The facility itself will create up to 4,000 new high-skilled green tech jobs in the area, with many thousands more expected to be created in the UK supply chain.
We’re sponsoring the Somerset Business Awards’ Environmental and Sustainability Award!
As the development of our multi-billion pound battery facility on the former munitions site near Bridgwater progresses at pace, we’re looking forward to meeting more likeminded businesses based in Somerset who are driving forward sustainability and having a positive and long-term impact on our environment.
Our Community Engagement Manager, Tim Williams, and Global Environment and Sustainability Manager, Tom Sherifi, will be on the judging panel, and you can enter your business if you are:
Working effectively to make a difference – having a positive impact on the environment, supporting sustainable development, or using resources efficiently.
Based in Sedgemoor, South Somerset, Mendip and Somerset West and Taunton, or some North/North East Somerset and Bath postcodes.
Somerset Council visited the site of the planned Agratas battery facility near Bridgwater this week (11 September).
With development of the facility progressing at pace, Somerset Council’s Enterprise Zone implementation and delivery team donned their hi-vis to tour the site for the first time since pilling began.
Tim Williams, Community Engagement Manager at Agratas said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the team from Somerset Council to our site. Only in person can you appreciate the enormous scale of the project. It’s so big you could almost lay down the Shard – the UK’s tallest building – end to end twice inside the site.
“We will continue to work closely with Somerset Council to ensure we can maximise the facility’s many benefits for the Somerset area, whilst minimising any disruption construction might cause for local people.”
A spokesperson for Somerset Council said: “Site visits are always useful for staff working on a project, especially one of this size and importance to Somerset and its economy. This visit really brought it to life and gave an understanding of the scale and complexity involved, as well as the site layout and how things will work on the ground.
“Our thanks go to Agratas and This Is Gravity Ltd for accommodating us.”
Somerset Council’s team that visited this week is only a small selection of the many local authority staff working on the project to ensure that it is delivered effectively.
They were joined by representatives from Cushman and Wakefield, one of the specialist consultants working on the project.
UK, 22 July 2024: Agratas today announces the phased appointment of Sir Robert McAlpine as the official delivery partner for Building One of its state-of-the-art battery cell manufacturing facility, near Bridgwater in Somerset.
Building One and ancillary development comprises 244,710 sqm GEA of built area, more than 35% larger than Wembley Stadium which covers approximately 180,000 sqm GEA.
Sir Robert McAlpine will now start preparations for the development, which is scheduled to be operational in 2026. Preparatory works have been underway at the site for several months already, with piling for Building One expected to commence in the coming weeks.
An extensive tender process saw Sir Robert McAlpine and competing firms assessed on the quality of their bids in relation to cost, capability, experience, sustainability and collaborative working. The successful partner performed well across the board to secure appointment on a distinct, stand-alone Pre-Construction Services Agreement.
Joe Hibbert, Vice President for Capital Projects at Agratas commented: “The beginning of this partnership with Sir Robert McAlpine is another pivotal moment for our nationally significant project.
“The team brings an unrivalled commitment to technical excellence, client service, sustainability and exemplary project delivery, and most importantly, they live and breathe our shared vision of placing community at the heart of everything we do.”
Grant Findlay, Executive Managing Director for Buildings, Sir Robert McAlpine, added: “Across our 155-year history, we have always been at the forefront of industrial change in the UK. This is why we are proud to be working with Agratas as its preferred delivery partner.”
“We are aligned in our ambitions for making a long lasting, positive impact on local communities, guided by our vision to construct a better world for future generations.”
Once all phases of construction are complete, the facility is set to be the biggest of its kind in the UK and by the early 2030s will contribute almost half of the projected battery manufacturing capacity required for the UK automotive sector.
The development of Building One will require approximately 2,100 construction roles at peak times, many across Tier 3 and 4 of the supply chain. Together, Agratas and Sir Robert McAlpine will deliver a Workforce Development Strategy to realise a local first approach, prioritising surrounding communities and fostering strong regional employment opportunities.
ENDS
About Agratas
Agratas is a global battery business within the Tata Group. We design, develop and manufacture high-quality, high-performance, sustainable battery solutions for multiple applications to match our customers’ requirements.
Derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Agra’, the world’s oldest language, our name stands for leadership and moving forward. Combined with ‘Gravitas’, it reflects our ambition to be purpose driven, pioneering power for future generations.
We have entered our industrialisation phase, building world-class battery facilities in India and the UK, and unlocking green growth opportunities for global customers in the mobility and energy sectors.
Our sustainability-first approach is accelerating the global transition to net zero. Our facilities are designed to be powered by clean sources of electricity, including purpose-built renewable energy plants, to support our goal of 100% clean power across all our operations. Using a circular design mindset, we adopt resource efficient processes, to reuse, recycle and recover materials back into production, delivering a sophisticated circular economy ecosystem. We are committed to developing the next generation of battery technologies.
Our R&D Innovation Hubs in India and the UK are empowered to accelerate technological breakthroughs across our entire value chain, working in partnership with leading universities and research institutions to deliver cleaner, greener, more sustainable batteries for our customers. Together, we will pioneer the innovative battery solutions of the future.
