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Portsmouth City Council (PCC) has selected a developer for its Dunsbury Hill site in Havant, paving the way for a top business hotel and technology park.
The council, working with Havant Borough Council (HBC), has chosen Countryside Properties as the preferred developer of a £102 million first phase development, taking in 32.6 acres of the prime site.
Companies are expected to be keen to set up at the site, to be called Solent Gateway, because it is just off junction 3 of the A3(M) at a pivotal gateway to South Hampshire and close to the junction with the A27.
Countryside Properties plan to develop the site on a phased basis over the next six years with the project expected to be complete roughly by 2014. At this point it is planned to consist of about 255,000 square feet of offices, a 40,000 square foot enterprise centre and a hotel.
This first phase of development forms part of a larger possible scheme within a 250 acre site and at this point consists of a total of 550,000 square feet (gross external area).
The scheme will include an enterprise centre for start-up companies as well as providing accommodation for the growth of small and medium businesses, offices, light and general industrial space, warehouse accommodation, a business hotel and other amenities. It is expected to act as a catalyst for the wider economic regeneration and renewal of neighbouring Leigh Park. It will also help raise the profile of both Havant and the Portsmouth region as a business location.
Countryside Properties will now work with PCC and HBC on a planning application with the aim of submitting it later this year.
Mark Chatham, Commercial Development Director at Countryside Properties said: "Countryside Properties is delighted to have been selected as Portsmouth City Council's development partner on this strategic site. The removal of the current bottleneck on the A3 at Hindhead in 2011 provides an outstanding opportunity for the A3 corridor to compete with the M3 in terms of attracting both new and existing businesses to Havant and the Portsmouth area."
Stephen Checkley, Head of Asset Management at PCC said: "I'm very pleased that our negotiations have come to a successful conclusion. We've secured a good deal for Portsmouth council-tax payers, and a developer with a real vision. The site now has a bright future which will benefit residents in Havant and the wider area."
Frank Campbell, Corporate Director at HBC said: "I am delighted this major project has moved a step forward with the selection of a preferred developer. The site was first allocated in the Local Plan in 2005 and forms a critical element in the council's regeneration objectives for the borough. These proposals for a high quality business park in this excellent location will provide a significant and positive impact on the local economy with the potential to provide in excess of 1,800 jobs and be the foundation for increased prosperity in the borough."
Portsmouth City Council were advised by DTZ.
Portsmouth City Council
Guildhall Square
Portsmouth
Hampshire, PO1 2BG
023 9283 4092
general@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
