Daedalus Waterfront

The ambitious vision for the regeneration of this historic waterfront site employs a design-led industrial innovation strategy. The masterplan includes employment work and light industrial spaces to attract new businesses and jobs to the Solent Enterprise Zone as well as 350 private and affordable homes.

Project Details +

Project Details

LOCATION: Lee-on-Solent, UK

CLIENT: Wordsearch Place & Orwell Real Estate

DATE: 2021

STATUS: Feasibility Study

SIZE: 80,000m2 (27,000m2 Residential, 53,000m2 Mixed-use)

Daedalus was established as a Navy seaplane base in 1917, during WWI. After the war, the base was expanded to house a significant part of the Navy Air fleet and became a centre of Maritime Aeroplane research and experimentation. During WWII the site was an important Navy base and housed the operational command for the Invasion of Normandy. Since the departure of the Navy in 1996, the site has remained largely abandoned. Some of the Hangars are used by Marine Industries and the Hovercraft Museum, showcasing the largest collection of hovercraft in the world. 

Reclaimed Heritage

Routes through Public Space

Overall Massing

Alongside housing and commercial space, new services and facilities will be provided for the local community, opening up the ex-military site to the public and providing public parks and new pedestrian routes. Central to the vision is the restoration of the historic buildings, including the WWI hangars that face the Solent. These will act as a catalyst for economic development, a gateway to the project and an upgraded home for The Hovercraft Museum.

Homes England partners with Daedalus Development Company – a joint venture between MurrayTwohig Development, Orwell Real Estate and Patron Capital - to deliver this ambitious scheme.

Project website here

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