After several years of planning and construction, the Firepool Centre for Digital Innovation (FCDI) in Taunton is set to welcome its first tenants within weeks. The Somerset County Council initiated the £11m project in November 2021 and has since been making steady progress, with the centre poised to provide a base for small and medium-sized businesses in the digital sector. Funding from various sources, including external grants and the council’s capital program, has been invested into the project, leading to the delivery of a state-of-the-art facility.
The FCDI offers four floors of flexible office space, along with event spaces, co-working hubs, ultrafast broadband, and a dedicated audio-visual podcast room. Councillor Ros Wyke emphasized the center’s significance in driving digital innovation and economic development, not only within Taunton but also across Somerset. The center is expected to complement existing innovation centers in Yeovil and Bridgwater, aiming to support the growth of various sectors embracing digital transformation.
The council is actively seeking anchor tenants to occupy the facility permanently, focusing on companies driving digital innovation. While defending the project’s expenditure, Ms. Wyke highlighted the importance of such facilities in attracting businesses to Somerset, emphasizing the lifestyle and work opportunities the region offers. The FCDI is part of the broader Firepool regeneration site, with plans for further residential and commercial redevelopment, supported by completed infrastructure enhancements and ongoing consultations.
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To learn more about securing space at the Firepool centre, visit www.somerset.gov.uk/business-economy-and-licences/somerset-innovation-centres.