The tranquil 90-acre stretch of green belt between Bristol and Long Ashton is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Once open fields, this land is now a bustling construction site destined to become the European headquarters for Epic, an American healthcare technology giant.
Visible from the Long Ashton bypass and the Bristol to North Somerset train line, the massive development has sparked significant controversy. The site occupies nearly the entire green space separating the city from Long Ashton, a valuable environmental and community asset.
Epic’s new campus will feature five office buildings, a culinary center, a training facility, and a 3,000-seat auditorium set within landscaped gardens. Though currently a muddy construction zone, most of the area will be restored as green open space upon completion. Construction is planned in six phases spanning from 2025 to 2041.
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Epic is known for its distinctive “intergalactic” Wisconsin headquarters, spread over 1,670 acres and themed around sci-fi and fantasy, complete with attractions like a Harry Potter-inspired cafeteria modeled on King’s Cross Station. In contrast, the new European site will embrace local architectural styles and materials, blending more harmoniously into the North Somerset landscape.
The planning process faced heated debate. Despite being designated green belt land—areas generally protected from development—North Somerset Council approved the project, recognizing its potential economic benefits. Planning officers initially labeled it inappropriate development but recommended approval due to the anticipated job creation and investment.
Epic’s move is set to deliver 2,150 high-quality jobs and contribute approximately £147 million in gross value annually to the local economy, establishing the company as the largest private employer in North Somerset. However, local residents voiced concerns about urban sprawl, fearing Long Ashton could morph into a suburb of Bristol. The council’s planning committee’s 9-4 approval vote was met with audible disapproval from the public.
To maximize local benefits, Epic partnered with North Somerset Council to support area businesses throughout the development process. Somerset Chamber of Commerce now runs a dedicated program to help local firms secure contracts for the construction work.
David Crew, Managing Director of the Chamber, emphasized the opportunity: “The Epic Systems development represents a major opportunity for local businesses. This programme will help ensure that North Somerset’s construction sector is visible, informed and ready to benefit from the work ahead.”
This initiative is the first in a series designed to extend the project’s positive impact, including programs to enhance digital healthcare skills and create pathways for disadvantaged groups and young people into employment related to Epic’s operations and supply chain.
Council cabinet member Mark Canniford highlighted the importance of community involvement: “We encourage local businesses to engage with these opportunities. The support package will be especially valuable for sole traders, microbusinesses, and smaller firms preparing for future phases and commercial prospects both within the Epic project and the wider regional construction sector.”
Businesses interested in these opportunities can register for free support through Somerset Chamber of Commerce, paving the way to participate in one of North Somerset’s most significant developments.