Agratas, a global battery business within the
Tata Group, has announced the phased appointment of
Sir Robert McAlpine as the official delivery partner for ‘Building One’ of its advanced battery cell manufacturing facility, which is being built near Bridgwater in Somerset. Building One and ancillary development comprises 244,710m2 GEA (gross external area) of built area. This is more than 35% larger than Wembley Stadium, which covers about 180,000m
2 GEA.
Sir Robert McAlpine will now start preparations for the development, which is scheduled to be operational in 2026. Preparatory works have been underway at the site for several months already, with piling for Building One expected to commence in the coming weeks.
Joe Hibbert, Agratas’s vice president for capital projects, said: “The beginning of this partnership with Sir Robert McAlpine is another pivotal moment for our nationally significant project. The team brings an unrivalled commitment to technical excellence, client service, sustainability and exemplary project delivery, and share our vision of placing community at the heart of everything we do.”
Once all phases of construction are complete, the facility is set to be the biggest of its kind in the UK and by the early 2030s will contribute almost half of the projected battery manufacturing capacity required for the UK automotive sector.
The development of Building One will require about 2,100 construction jobs at peak times, many across Tier 3 and 4 of the supply chain. Together, Agratas and Sir Robert McAlpine will deliver a ‘Workforce Development Strategy’ to ‘realise a local first approach, prioritising surrounding communities and fostering strong regional employment opportunities’.