New life for Daedalus Waterfront in flagship project for Homes England
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New life for Daedalus Waterfront in flagship project for Homes England

Published on 20 February 2018

Developer Wates Residential and Homes England have joined forces in the ground-breaking regeneration of Daedalus Waterfront, the first project in Homes England's new national accelerated delivery programme.

The proposals, designed by JTP, are set to breathe life back into this historic site, located at the Royal Naval Air Station in Lee-on-Solent, known historically as HMS Daedalus. First established as a seaplane base in 1917 during WWI, it subsequently fell into disrepair following its decommissioning in 1996, after which it was acquired by Homes England.

Wates will directly invest £25m into regenerating the site, creating a significant new neighbourhood of 200 homes for Gosport. The new homes will be some of the first constructed under the Direct Commissioning Initiative, which is designed to enable the government to fast-track the building of homes on publicly owned land. 

The site has an extant outline planning permission for an employment-led mixed-use neighbourhood. JTP’s proposals are an evolution of the design principles established in approved illustrative masterplan, informed by extensive analysis of the site and context, to create a neighbourhood that will deliver the aspirations of the council and Homes England.

The new homes at Daedalus Waterfront will comprise a mix of tenures and sizes, including 40% affordable homes for local people. The design of the new homes celebrates the area’s rich heritage with traditional brick facades and tiled roofs. 

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Fundamental to our aspirations for the site will be embracing the existing heritage assets and embedding the historic character of Daedalus within the design. Our design principles begin with the retention and enhancement of historic buildings and open spaces, which will then be a driver for the wider proposals as the sites history is reflected in the architecture and spaces created. To do this we will draw on our experience in remaking places; transforming redundant buildings, responding sensitively to historic settings and working within mature landscaped surroundings.
Rebecca Taylor, JTP Partner leading the project

It is intended that Daedalus Waterfront will become an enterprise hub with a cluster of aviation, marine, innovation and technology industries, which will be integrated with the existing neighbouring areas with new residential streets along the eastern and western boundaries of the site.  

The regeneration will act as a catalyst for the wider regeneration of the area, and will revitalise this former economic hub. The proposals will also create training and employment opportunities for local people and boost the local economy through the appointment of local suppliers and sub-contractors, adding value and ownership to the new community.

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Our partnership with Homes England is an important step in unlocking the future prosperity of this historically important location. We’re confident that the innovative proposal we’ve put together will help fulfil the housing needs of the local area, and we’re committed to ensuring our work on the project has a significant socioeconomic impact on Gosport and the wider Lee-on-Solent region.
Paul Nicholls, Managing Director, Wates Residential South