Somerset Digital Innovation Centre

The Somerset Digital Innovation Centre (SDIC) is a state-of-the-art commercial office space designed to boost Somerset’s digital economy by providing high-quality managed offices and workspaces for start-ups and SMEs.

The project is part of Somerset County Council’s post-Covid economic recovery strategy, with funding from the Government’s Getting Building Fund, the European Regional Development Fund, Somerset’s Business Rates Retention Fund, and Somerset West and Taunton Council.

This 2613m² low-rise development serves as the first key building in the Firepool regeneration scheme, which aims to create long-term economic growth in the region.

Highlights

A High-Quality, Collaborative Workspace

• Modern office and co-working spaces designed for flexibility and growth.
• Central breakout and café areas to encourage collaboration across industries.
• Excellent services and digital infrastructure to support the innovation economy.
  Community & Social Impact
• 1,315 hours dedicated to supporting young people into employment.
• 40 weeks of training opportunities provided for local apprentices.
• Two full-time roles created for local residents.
• Direct support for T-Level students, two of whom are now employed full-time in the construction industry after working on SDIC.

Sustainability & Environmental Credentials

• BREEAM Excellent rating targeted, ensuring best-in-class energy efficiency.
• Roof-mounted photovoltaic (PV) panels designed to meet BREEAM and planning requirements.
• Rigorous thermal, daylight, and acoustic modelling to enhance occupant well-being and comfort.
• EV charging points and sustainable mobility features to future-proof the workspace.
• A large existing retaining wall was demolished, with materials repurposed into the building’s foundations, significantly reducing construction waste.

Boosting Somerset’s Economy

• Part of a £59m regeneration programme, aiming to transform Firepool into a commercial and residential hub.
• Potential for 200 long-term jobs at SDIC, with an estimated £9m in annual Gross Value Added (GVA).
• Expected £24.3m annual GVA contribution from the additional working population in the Firepool area.
• Additional £1m per year in council tax revenue, boosting local investment.

Challenges Overcome

• Rising material costs threatened project viability, but proactive procurement strategies ensured stability.
• Site contamination: The former site of a garage required specialist remediation work before construction could proceed.
• Drainage system delays: As the first building in the Firepool masterplan, SDIC had no existing drainage system to connect to.
• A temporary stormwater tank was installed to prevent delays, allowing the project to stay on schedule.

Client & Community Feedback

"This scheme will help meet the demand for top-quality business accommodation for digital businesses in Somerset. It will see a number of highly-skilled jobs created and contribute to improving economic productivity and prosperity in Somerset."
— Cllr David Hall, Somerset County Council