The Firepool Centre for Digital Innovation lies between the A3087 Trenchard Way and Canal Road, and is intended to provide a base to small and medium-sized businesses within the digital sector across Somerset.
The facility opened in May 2024, having taken nearly two-and-a-half years to build at a cost of £11m, funded through central government grants and council borrowing.
Somerset Council will now spend a further £40,000 on changing the internal layout of the building to better meet the needs of several prospective tenants.
Of the £11m spent on the building in its original form, £7.3m came from external grant funding, including contributions from the government’s getting building fund (£5.45m), the European Union’s European regional development fund (£1.69m) and growth deal funding from the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (£235,000).
The council provided the remaining £3.6m through its capital programme, and will retain ownership of the building for the duration of its lifespan.
Councillor Mike Rigby, portfolio holder for economic development, planning and assets, confirmed the planned changes to the building in his annual report delivered to the full council when it met in Bridgwater on Wednesday afternoon (March 26).
He said in his written report: “The centre has hosted several high-profile regional events for organisations including the Great South West, the South West Infrastructure Partnership, Tech South West, Digital Somerset, Business West and the Heart of the South West Growth Hub.
“Four digital and data-led companies have taken offices at the centre.
“In March, work will commence to subdivide two of the larger office suites to create five new offices and meeting rooms.”
Following the meeting, the council confirmed that these changes would be funded through central government grants and would be completed by the end of April.
A spokesman said: “The building was designed and built to enable the straightforward subdivision of larger offices if needed.
“The centre’s three smaller offices are now all tenanted and there is a need to make available additional smaller units.
“Two companies have thus far expressed an interest in the offices that will be made available.”
