11th January 2007
HMS Daedalus acquired by SEEDA
SEEDA has acquired an 82.4 ha (204 acre) site from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) at the former HMS Daedalus site at Lee-on-the-Solent in South Hampshire. The remainder of the site, consisting of 106 hectares (256 acres), is being acquired by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
SEEDA's Investment
Daedalus is a strategic site in South Hampshire and its development will contribute to sub-regional growth priorities and economic development. Recognised as one of the largest brownfield sites in the Solent area for regeneration, it offers an opportunity to provide new employment, business accommodation and homes.
The strategic acquisition of this land by SEEDA will see the Agency working over the next three to four years with local planning authorities, and key stakeholders, including businesses and local communities, to agree a development vision for the future of the area. SEEDA's investment in a site of this scale will act as a catalyst for economic development in South Hampshire.
The Agency's intention is that development of the site will focus on new aviation and marine related businesses, exploiting access to the existing runways and the Solent. Plans are to create a quality business location that will attract inward investment and provide accommodation for start-up, growing and established businesses.
SEEDA will also look at providing some housing provision on the site with a mix of quality homes, including key worker and affordable housing.
The whole site, covering a total area of 186.4 ha (460 acre), was formerly used as a military airfield by the MoD but has since been declared surplus to their requirements and available for redevelopment.
The MCA is purchasing the remainder of the site to invest alongside Hampshire Police in providing new facilities and improvements to the runway.