A 50,000m² employment site in Fareham, Hampshire, is being given a new lease of life – and a new name – as part of a major re-launch.
The former Daedalus East site, now named Solent Airport and Business Parks, encompassing Faraday Business Park, is looking to attract businesses from the aviation, aerospace, marine, engineering and advanced manufacturing sectors. A detailed masterplan has now been unveiled and shows extensive opportunities for both airside and non-airside occupiers.
Ownership transferred to Fareham Borough Council in 2015 from the Homes and Communities Agency and the site is now being marketed by leading property consultancy JLL. The company is hosting an open day on Thursday July 7 to allow property agents to enjoy an early preview of the new offering.
The site’s enterprise zone status brings with it a number of key benefits for investors and tenants. These include up to 100 per cent business rate discount worth up to £275,000 per business over a five-year period; planning permission already in place; superfast broadband and accelerated investment in infrastructure.
There are various development and occupier opportunities available to let at Solent Airport and Business Parks including a 25,000 sq ft building at Faraday Business Park, which sits within the site. The building is being constructed speculatively and is due for completion in July. It will be suitable for advanced engineering, marine or aviation organisations and will also benefit from an operational airfield. Importantly the site is also home to CEMAST, Fareham College’s Centre for Advanced Engineering Skills Training which is the main learning centre for students in partner apprenticeship programmes.
There are a number of serviced plots available now comprising between one and six acres. These plots would be suitable for organisations looking to develop their own building; in addition to self-build, companies can also opt for turn-key development or lease options.
There is also scope within the site to accommodate larger occupiers seeking up to 12 acres.
David McGougan, director at JLL in Southampton, said: “This is a crucial and high profile employment site in Hampshire, with the potential to be home to thousands of jobs. This region has proven strengths in the marine and aviation sectors and this site offers all the facilities and connections that occupiers in those industries need.
“We are confident that the reconfigured plans, combined with exciting new branding, will demonstrate what’s on offer and give this site fresh impetus.”
Councillor Seán Woodward, leader of Fareham Borough Council said: “Daedalus is an incredible asset for Fareham and the wider community. It is the largest employment site in the area and set to become the premier location for aviation, aerospace, marine, engineering and advanced manufacturing businesses in the south.”
