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South Gloucestershire
Image credit: Aerospace Bristol

The home of aerospace innovation and aviation technology in the UK

High-tech manufacturing and innovation sectors combine with our four local universities to pioneer everything from smart city, automotive propulsion, composites, robotics, and nuclear fusion technology.

Economic snapshot

South Gloucestershire: A thriving regional economy and a hub for aviation industry’s major players.

  • Birthplace of Concorde and a centre for aerospace excellence
  • Highest per capita GDP in the West of England region
  • 11th highest GDP in England outside of London
  • Boasts a population of nearly 300,000

Investment showcase

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Graphic of Axis Works, Central Park, Avonmouth

Axis Works, Central Park, Avonmouth

Axis Works forms part of the Avonmouth Severnside Enterprise area, the South West’s premier distribution location. Strategically positioned, the site sits within easy access of the national motorway network, and a few minutes away from the Port of Bristol.

The scheme comprises c.100 acres, with outline consent granted for 2m sq ft of B2/B8 storage and distribution uses, deliverable Q1 2025, with sustainably designed, flexible options to suit.

Graphic illustration of Bristol Zoological Society

Bristol Zoological Society

Bristol Zoological Society are developing a new world-class Zoo on the northern edge of Bristol, which will set the standard for a modern, forward-looking zoo in the 21st century. The new site will offer spacious, modern facilities and a ground-breaking, innovative visitor experience.

Expected steady state visitor footfall of 713,000 p/a, rising to over 800,000 by 2035

  • Projected GVA to the regional economy at least £278m over 25 years
  • Opportunities for Capital and Programme partnerships buildings/classrooms/labs/exhibits/conservation projects/research
Kingswood

Kingswood

Kingswood is just under 3.5 miles north-east of Bristol city centre with a catchment population of approximately 83,000 within a 10-minute drive of the town.

South Gloucestershire Council has secured significant funding to invest in the town, including strengthening Kingswood’s cultural and historic heart, enhancing and connecting green spaces, improving the vitality and sustainability of the town centre and improvements to Kings Chase shopping centre.

Over the next five years, South Gloucestershire Council will continue to invest in these initiatives and is actively seeking private sector investors looking for investment opportunities in Kingswood’s retail, leisure and business spaces.

Image credit: South Gloucestershire Council

Graphic illustration of IAAPS

IAAPS – Institute of Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems

Designed with the University of Bath and technical partners including McLaren.

Hydrogen manufacturing capability.

Partnering with GKN on decarbonisation of the aviation industry.

Rolling roads, climate-controlled test cells.

Battery testing facilities.

  • Value: £62m
  • Size: 13,500m2
  • Completion: 2022

(Image credit: Stride Treglown)

National Composites Centre building

NCC – National Composites Centre (Phase 2)

Continues the success of the initial phase.

Provides additional R&D accommodation plus teaching spaces together with workshops and meeting/teaching areas for FE and HE.

  • Value: £18.5m
  • Size: 10,000m2
  • Completion: 2014

(Image credit: Stride Treglown)

Thornbury

Thornbury

The market town of Thornbury has seen significant investment to support a sustainable town centre that’s fit for the future, improve air quality and enables people to make sustainable travel choices.

The high street has a variety of independent shops and restaurants which serve the town’s growing population, providing a welcoming, accessible space for people to come together, socialise, and join in community activities.

South Gloucestershire Council will continue to work with partners to invest in the town, boosting the local economy, increasing footfall and supporting businesses to thrive and flourish.

Image credit: South Gloucestershire Council

Connected Britain’s Industrial Innovation Award 2022

UMBRELLA project

Stretching over seven kilometres, UMBRELLA is one of the world’s largest research and development testbeds for the industrial Internet of Things (IoT).

The testbed provides tech entrepreneurs with a way to de-risk investments by validating technology, testing business models and training the future labour force.

Find out more >

Image credit: UMBRELLA

Graphic illustration of Vectura

Vectura

World class life science headquarters.

High performance GMP clean room suite.

R&D laboratories.

Office and client engagement areas.

  • Value: £58m
  • Size: 10,000m2
  • Completion: 2025

(Image credit: Stride Treglown)

Yate

Yate

Transforming a modern town to be fit for the future.

The town's £600 million development and regeneration masterplan will see significant investment opportunities over the next 15 to 20 years. It envisions a gradual transformation for the traditional industrial areas of Yate into a low carbon, resilient and diverse “employment zone”.

Home to significant local and global employers including Whirlpool and Billington Steel, Yate is a key site for development.

Find out more

Key enterprise zones and areas in South Gloucestershire

Collaborative partnerships

South Gloucestershire Council are active members of the Bristol and Bath investment partnership, the West of England Combined Authority and Western Gateway. Together they support the business networks and investment opportunities that help South Gloucestershire go from strength to strength.