Replacement of social club near Somerset gigafactory delayed by flooding issues
Somerset Council hopes to resolve the flood risk concerns within weeks
The replacement of a social club near Somerset's new £4 billion gigafactory has been delayed because of flooding issues.
The 37 Sports and Social Club was originally sited on Loverose Way, between the villages of Puriton and Woolavington, at the southern edge of the Gravity enterprise zone.
As part of the wider planning permission for the gigafactory, which already has its first building at an advanced stage of construction, the club is set to be replaced with a more modern facility catering for both existing villagers and new workers at the site.
This Is Gravity Ltd put forward plans in May 2025 for the replacement facility on the eastern edge of Puriton, with the potential for an apartment hotel to be built next door in future.
Somerset Council has confirmed a decision on the plans has been delayed by risk assessments around flooding and drainage, but says it hopes the issues will be resolved soon.
The new community and leisure facility will be built on Woolavington Road, near the existing gigafactory access off Enterprise Way, opposite the Polden Orchards housing development currently being built by Redrow Homes.
The new two-storey building will include like-for-like replacements of all the 37 Club's existing facilities, including four snooker tables, two skittle alleys and a licensed bar.
The first floor will contain a private function room and café, along with a kitchen area and bar.
Eighteen parking spaces will be provided immediately near the facility, including four disabled spaces with five electric vehicle charging points, along with a proposed overspill car park with 38 spaces further north.
An aparthotel is also planned next door to the new facility in future, with a further 85 parking spaces, though further details will be published as a separate planning application.
Ian Gray, the council's programme director for the Gravity enterprise zone, gave an update on the project when the council's Gravity executive sub-committee met in Taunton on 17th September.
"The flood risk assessment and surface water drainage strategy that we've been waiting for has now come in and been agreed, following consultation with the lead local flood authority," he said.
"Hopefully, we will be able to issue the compliance within the next few weeks, and therefore This Is Gravity Ltd can get on with constructing the new 37 Club.
"There has been a change of alignment at the link in from Enterprise Way and the nearby roundabout to allow for a wider development plot for the new club."
Council leader Bill Revans and chief executive Duncan Sharkey recently visited the gigafactory alongside Agratas chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran, getting a close-up view of the ongoing construction.
"This is one of the most significant investments Somerset has ever attracted and it has the potential to transform opportunities for generations to come. Seeing the progress on site was hugely encouraging," Revans said.
"The benefits should reach well beyond the site itself. An investment of this scale has the potential to create significant opportunities for Somerset businesses through its supply chain, supporting wider economic growth across the county and the south west.
"We are proud to be working with Agratas and our partners to ensure Somerset secures the maximum possible long-term benefit from this landmark project."
Sharkey added that the project was helping to build new skills pathways alongside the jobs and economic opportunities being created.
"Agratas is a fantastic example of Somerset attracting world-leading investment. Alongside the jobs and economic opportunities being created, the project is helping to build new skills pathways and strengthen the county's long-term economic future," he said.