Construction is poised to commence on the first phase of a new ring road encircling Somerset’s ambitious £4 billion gigafactory, as planning permission has recently been granted.
Agratas is spearheading the development of this cutting-edge gigafactory within the Gravity enterprise zone, strategically located between Puriton and Woolavington. The facility is scheduled to become operational by late 2027.
Work is rapidly advancing on ‘Building One,’ positioned at the south-west corner of the site. The project has gained additional momentum following a £380 million investment boost from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT).
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Somerset Council’s recent approval enables the construction of the southernmost segment of the orbital road, which will ultimately encircle the entire Gravity site. This southern section will extend from Building One to a new electricity substation National Grid plans to commission by late 2028.
Two new roundabouts will be constructed on the western end of this road segment: one providing access from Enterprise Way and another facilitating internal traffic within the Gravity zone. The ring road will track along the existing Loverose Way north of the 37 Sports and Social Club, which is set to relocate to Woolavington Road under separate proposals, then curve northward toward the substation area with a new entry point onto Ham Lane.
For safety and accessibility, emergency vehicles will also be able to enter the ring road via the B3141 Causeway if Enterprise Way becomes blocked. The new road will maintain a 30mph speed limit and be a single carriageway throughout.
Aligned with previously approved plans from May 2023, the orbital road will feature a spacious shared-use pedestrian and cycle path along its entire length. Additional connections will be created south of the substation to link pedestrians and cyclists to Woolavington Surgery via Crockers Hill.
Agratas has confirmed that public transport services will utilize a lay-by bus stop on the northbound carriageway. This stop is designed to accommodate potential future bus services running through Woolavington Road, which could use the first roundabout to turn around and exit the site. The cycleway and pedestrian paths will connect seamlessly to existing routes on Woolavington Road and tie into a planned enhancement scheme to improve off-road access between Woolavington and Puriton.
Councillor Mike Rigby, portfolio holder for economic development, planning, and assets, provided an update ahead of the council’s climate and place scrutiny committee meeting. He highlighted that cladding for Building One is underway, with concrete floor screeds being installed, including on the first floor. Ancillary buildings are currently being built, and additional piling is progressing.
Phase one infrastructure works like surface water drainage and haul roads are close to completion. The workforce currently numbers around 600 onsite, with phase two expected to last 14 months and increase the workforce to approximately 2,900.
Discussions continue with National Highways regarding the development of a new junction 22a on the M5 motorway, which will support increased traffic flow to and from the site.
Finally, Somerset Council is expected to soon make a decision on redevelopment plans for the 37 Sports and Social Club’s new location on Woolavington Road in Puriton, further supporting community integration with the expanding Gravity zone.