Stunning new images of how the proposed smart campus at Gravity could look if plans to transform the site are approved have been shared with the public.
The pictures of a new smart community at Bridgwater, Somerset, are unveiled as Gravity launches a fresh conversation with local people, stakeholders and businesses about its future ambitions to regenerate the former ROF Bridgwater site.
Gravity is progressing with new plans for its smart campus, which will become a focal point for international investment and create more than 4,000 well paid jobs in clean growth sectors.
As neighbours, every household in Puriton and Woolavington has been directly invited to find out more about Gravity’s emerging plans and views are welcome from the wider Bridgwater area. People can do so this by visiting its website, signing up to a webinar or attending drop in events at the 37 Club.
“We want to create an exceptional place to drive the UK’s shift towards a zero-carbon economy, which places Sedgemoor at the centre of the national clean growth revolution,” said Gravity’s director of planning and economic development, Claire Pearce.
“We are sharing updated images with the public as part of a big conversation with the community about the rationale behind the refreshed approach to deliver a new era of jobs, the benefits a smart campus would bring in practice and what this would mean for local people.
“We’re looking forward to speaking with people and hearing their views.”
Benefits outlined in the information Gravity is sharing with the public from today include:
- More than 4,000 new jobs in high value industries – advanced manufacturing, smart technology, robotics, data, energy and other highly skilled sectors.
- A Business Charter to help local businesses respond to supply chain opportunities.
- Improved bus services, walking and cycling connections and potential new passenger rail and freight links to benefit Puriton, Woolavington and the wider area.
- New leisure and open spaces to support health and wellbeing.
- Continued work with local schools and education providers to build resilience, create training opportunities and inspire new careers.
- New and improved infrastructure for transport, energy digital connectivity and utilities.
These events in June will be followed by further, ongoing, engagement on Gravity’s plans later this year. People can register for updates by signing up to Gravity’s newsletter.
Councillor Gill Slocombe, Deputy Leader of the Council and the portfolio-holder for Inward Investment and Growth, added: “Sedgemoor is not alone in facing significant challenges.
“We still do not know the full impacts from the pandemic and, at the same time, we’re facing climate emergencies that we must respond to now. Gravity can help the area respond to these challenges to build back better and greener.”
How businesses can get involved
Local residents, businesses and stakeholders can find out more about the vision for Gravity and provide their feedback by:
- Visiting the community section of the website, which has details of the information shared with the community, including a virtual consultation room.
- Attending COVID-safe community drop ins at the 37 Club on Saturday, 19 June (10am – 2.30pm) and Wednesday 23 June (3pm – 7pm).
- Attending a community webinar at 6pm on 24 June
- In addition to these events, people can give their views on a feedback form, or by ccontacting gravity@social.co.uk or calling0330 1070 535.
“I hope as many people as possible take the opportunity to find out more and speak with us over the coming weeks,” said Claire Pearce.
“Their feedback will play an important role in shaping our future plans to bring in investments, create jobs and provide learning opportunities that the UK and the South West needs.”
