Daedalus Waterfront will see this historic Naval base and barracks reinvented into a 42-acre mixed-use waterfront development on Lee-on-the-Solent, restoring the thriving spirit of HMS Daedalus
 

•  Masterplan includes new industrial and commercial units, much-needed housing, restored historic buildings, new public spaces and a museum

• Daedalus Waterfront will create 240 full-time job opportunities a year

• Historic barracks to be restored and converted into modern, mixed-tenure housing

• The Hovercraft Museum, home to the largest collection of hovercraft in the world, reinvented to become a world-class visitor attraction 

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  Working in close partnership with the developers, Gosport Borough Council has resolved to approve plans for the restoration of HMS Daedalus at Lee-on-the-Solent, a historically significant waterfront naval base that played a crucial role in the development of the modern Navy, and on D-Day in June 1944.

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  The landmark regeneration scheme has been put forward by a joint venture between Patron Capital, MurrayTwohig Developments, and Orwell Real Estate, who were selected by Homes England as development partners for the site last year.

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• Their proposals will boost the local economy through the creation of new commercial and leisure sector jobs, provide much needed housing, protect and reinvigorate the various historic and listed assets, and secure the future of the largest collection of hovercraft in the world in The Hovercraft Museum.

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In recent years the site has been largely dilapidated and forgotten, with the important historic assets awaiting viable reuse. The Daedalus Development Company has a clear vision to bring jobs and opportunity to the area, preserve historic buildings and celebrate the site’s significant history, support the Hovercraft Museum and nurture it as a successful destination, ultimately restoring community pride in HMS Daedalus. This new transformational masterplan, designed by acme architects, will see a targeted, industrial innovation strategy implemented through the delivery of commercial space link to a thriving visitor attraction at The Hovercraft Museum.

The proposals include:

• 24,500sqm of new, modern employment and industrial space.

• 5,200sqm of commercial space for new businesses and jobs in the Solent Enterprise Zone.•

• 346 new mixed-tenure homes, 76 of which will be refurbishments of the existing heritage buildings including the historic barracks square.•

• New community services and facilities, including a public park.•

• A world-class visitor attraction at Seaplane Square and The Hovercraft Museum.

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Central to the vision is the restoration of the historic buildings, including the World War One hangars that face the Solent. These will act as a gateway to the project, an upgraded home for The Hovercraft Museum and a new public space for local events and activations.

The first two zones submitted for detailed planning will deliver key objectives of the Daedalus Waterfront: employment prospects and reassuring the heritage of the site. To the north of the site, The Evill Industrial Park (named after the first commandant of HMS Daedalus, Lieutenant Commander Strathearn Evill) will be an important catalyst for the wider development that will bring jobs and opportunities through new small, medium and mid-sized industrial units.

The residential zone will save and celebrate the heritage of the area. This will include Daedalus Square, which will see the historic barracks square restored and transformed into a quiet, communal and public space with mixed-tenure town houses, apartments and terraces. This zone will also be home to Westcliffe Gardens, a second residential zone with a large publicly accessible park and sea views. Here, the restoration and protection of historic buildings includes Westcliffe House, The Wardroom and The Gatehouse and lodge.

The development team has involved the community throughout the planning process with over 800 people attending two public consultations, one of which saw people gather in the SR.N4 Princess Anne Cross-channel hovercraft to meet the team and hear about the proposed Daedalus Waterfront.

This unique project requires a depth of knowledge and experience in the creation of successful communities and destinations around complex historic buildings and settings. With a combined experience on over 400 million sq ft of mixed-use property across the world, the team has been working in collaboration with the local community, Gosport Borough Council and Historic England, to develop these exciting plans for this challenging and historic site.

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David Twohig co-founder of MurrayTwohig Development and CEO of Daedalus Development Company said: “This approval marks a significant milestone for Daedalus Waterfront, one that will ensure the site's future while bringing the energy and buzz back to Daedalus. Central to this project is a sense of community pride, and it has been great to witness so many people eager to learn about our plans. The public consultations have seen over 800 people come and share their memories and experiences at this historic landmark, which have been key to guiding our vision. Working alongside the council, community and historic experts, these first phases will allow us to continue applying our hard-earned experience in preserving heritage, bringing community benefits and developing successful places to make this much-loved site a vibrant and productive asset for Lee-on-the-Solent and wider region.”

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Cllr Peter Chegwyn, Leader of Gosport Borough Council, said: "This is great news for the Gosport area. The Daedalus development will provide much needed  new housing and jobs, and also has the benefit of saving several historic buildings and bringing them back  into use after years  of decay. We look forward to working  closely with the developers as they progress the project."

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Simon Dougall, Head of Disposals, Homes England said: “Daedalus Waterfront benefits from being part of the Solent Enterprise Zone, with rich history, heritage buildings and wonderful location on the Solent. With the variety of expertise within The Daedalus Development Company, and the support of Gosport Borough Council, we’re pleased to continue with this exciting partnership to help realise their vision to create a great place to work, live and enjoy for the local community and visitors.”

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Kevin Cooke, Senior Partner at Patron Capital said: “We have a track record of delivering mixed-use regeneration schemes that add significantly to their surroundings. Key to this is working in collaborative joint ventures, which bring diversity of thought and experience to achieve the best possible result. The approval of Deadalus Waterfront is an exciting opportunity to leverage this expertise and work alongside industry-leading partners to deliver a milestone project in the UK.”