Somerset is emerging as a national hub for green technology and AI, anchored by the Gravity Enterprise Zone and a planned £4 billion electric vehicle battery gigafactory. The facility, led by Tata subsidiary Agratas, will occupy the former Royal Ordnance Factory site between Puriton and Woolavington and is expected to supply nearly half the UK’s automotive battery demand by the early 2030s. Production is set to begin in 2027, creating around 4,000 skilled jobs.
Alongside this major investment, Somerset Council and Bridgwater MP Sir Ashley Fox are lobbying for part of the site to be named a designated AI growth zone. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has responded positively, with decisions expected by late summer 2025.
The Gravity site benefits from a Local Development Order, in effect until 2037, which streamlines planning for compliant developments. This, combined with established infrastructure and power connection plans, makes it a strong contender for further government support.
The National Grid is building two interim 33kV connections for the site’s early stages, although a permanent 400kV substation won’t be complete until 2028. Local communities will not be affected by the temporary arrangements, officials say, and work on the site continues steadily.
Additional infrastructure, including a new ring road and M5 junction, is planned to support expansion. Somerset Council is also considering borrowing up to £150 million for local upgrades and skills training to ensure residents benefit directly from new employment opportunities. Loan repayments are expected to be covered by business rates from the gigafactory.
The development aligns with national goals to electrify transport and advance clean energy. Energy Minister Michael Shanks said the factory would boost both the economy and local communities, while Industry Minister Sarah Jones welcomed dialogue with Somerset leaders on the AI zone bid.
If successful, the Gravity site would become a rare convergence of large-scale manufacturing and AI innovation, backed by strong local leadership, ready infrastructure and national policy alignment.
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