Daedalus Waterfront, Lee-on-Solent, UK

Project type:	Reuse of Historic Building & Place
Client:	Wates Residential
Stage:	Detailed Planning Application

An employment-led, mixed-use neighbourhood in a historic setting

The project is breathing life back into a historic former military base, 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 and eventually was acquired by Homes England.

The significant rejuvenation of Daedalus Waterfront will deliver a mixed-use neighbourhood and an enterprise hub made up of clusters of the aviation, marine, innovation and technology industries.

“

We’re confident that this innovative proposal will help fulfil the housing needs of the local area, and we’re committed to ensuring our work on the project has a significant socio-economic impact on Gosport and the wider Lee-on-Solent region.

Paul Nicholls, Managing Director, Wates Residential South

The regeneration will act as a catalyst for the wider regeneration of the area and will revitalise the former economic hub. The residential neighbourhood along the eastern and western boundaries will integrate the new enterprise sites with the existing residential areas. The retained military buildings on the site will be renovated to preserve the sites historical character and help to shape the appearance of the new neighbourhood.

The design of the new homes will celebrate the area’s rich heritage, embedding the historic character of Daedalus within the architectural design.

Project Delivery

– 200 new homes for Gosport which will comprise a mix of tenures and sizes, including 40% of affordable homes for local people.

– Walking and cycling for exercise or local journeys will be encouraged by a network of well-lit footpaths connected to wider networks to encourage people to exercise and commute by foot.

– These routes will establish a well-connected and walkable mixed-use quarter which focusses on improving the quality of the streets within and around the development.

– A sensitive response to the site’s historic setting utilising traditional brick façades and tiled roofs to embrace the existing heritage assets of Daedalus.

– The landscape strategy aims to create a setting that encourages healthy living for all residents, protects and promotes wildlife, and contributes to a green network of buffers and links to the wider landscape.

– Maximise opportunities for new habitat creation and wildlife preservation to enhance the site’s ecology.