What is SEEDA?
The South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) is the Government funded agency responsible for the sustainable economic development and regeneration of the South East of England. Its aim is to create a prosperous, dynamic and inspirational region by helping businesses compete more effectively, training a highly skilled workforce, supporting and enabling our communities while safeguarding our natural resources and cherishing our rich cultural heritage.
Why did SEEDA buy the site?
SEEDA acquired the site in March 2006 for the purpose of securing it for a regeneration project. It recognises the site’s strategic importance and it is hoped that developing it will contribute to the improvement of the local and sub-regional economy. It is anticipated that this in turn will act as a catalyst for other development on the Gosport peninsula and wider area.
Which parts of Daedalus does SEEDA own?
In March 2006, SEEDA acquired 82.4 ha/204 acres of land with surrounds the airfield at the former HMS Daedalus site. At the same time, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) bought the airfield itself (106 ha/256 acres). Click here to see a plan which shows the land SEEDA owns. The airfield continues to be operational as it is a blue light facility as well as some gliding and general aviation utilising this facility. SEEDA and the MCA are working closely on redevelopment proposals.
What has happened since March 2006?
Shortly after the site was acquired by SEEDA in March 2006, 20 pipe mines from World War II were discovered, most of which were located under the runways on the airfield owned by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). Unfortunately, this meant work on the development of the site was delayed whilst SEEDA worked with the MCA, the MOD and the Police to ensure the mines were safely removed. Following their safe removal during September 2006, work on the development of the site has progressed and the project formally launched in March 2007.
What is going to happen to the site?
SEEDA will be working closely with the Project Team, its partners and the community to ensure that the opportunities the site offers are maximised and to create a vision for the site which is endorsed by them. The vision will then inform the masterplan which will in turn be used in support of a planning application. Once consent for this has been granted by the relevant local planning authorities, it is likely that selected developers will build the scheme out.
Fareham and Gosport Borough Councils are currently preparing documents detailing what development would fit with local, regional and national planning policies (called Supplementary Planning Documents - SPDs). These documents will fit into the larger Local Development Framework, which will be used as a basis for considering planning applications. Once the SPDs have been completed and approved by the councillors the two councils will start public consultation on the SPDs, this is currently expected to take place in autumn 2010. At which time SEEDA will be in a position to publish the masterplan, which will give a strong indication of what will be created on the site.
What is going to be built on the site? back to top
It is not yet known what will be built on the site. SEEDA’s remit is to bring underused land back into productive use and improve the economy of the area. It is likely that there will be some employment opportunities on the site within industrial and commercial sectors as well as possibly some leisure, education, community and residential uses. There may well also be some marine or aviation related uses which build on the assets the site already possesses. However, nothing has been decided at this stage.
What will the development look like? back to top
As it is not yet known what or where things will be located on the site, it is impossible to know what the development will look like. However, any proposals will seek to ensure that a development is complementary to the aesthetics of existing buildings in the surrounding area.
How long will the development of the site take? back to top
It will be a number of years before development of the site is complete. SEEDA wants to ensure that the proposals bring a positive and long-lasting impact to the local and wider area. It will take time to ensure that opportunities are taken advantage of and that the community are fully consulted. The development of the site will take place over several phases, and therefore it will take a further period of time after consultations to build the site out.
How do I keep up to date with the Daedalus project? back to top
To keep up to date with progress at Daedalus keep checking out this website for updates, or if you have a specific questions, feel free to contact us. You can also be added to our mailing list where you will receive updates on project progression. If you would like to receive our e-updates please e-mail Daedalus-project@seeda.co.uk
What is SEEDA going to do about the transport problems in the local area? back to top
SEEDA recognises that transport is a critical issue for the Gosport peninsula and surrounding area and it has appointed MVA Consultancy as transport consultant. Unfortunately, the Daedalus Project will not be able solve the wider transport issues, but the Project Team will do all it can to minimise any negative impact and enhance any positive ones.
When will I be able to have a look around the site? back to top
SEEDA is very conscious that public access to the site has been prohibited for a number of years. It is hoped that in the future people will have unrestricted access to it. However, the gates cannot be opened at the moment because the security of the airfield needs to be maintained. As soon as possible after acquisition of the site, SEEDA have been keen to make community use of Daedalus. To this extent many events have taken place on site including, opening parts of the site for Goport's Big Day Out, half -marathons, school trips and community projects. Further information about these are available on the "News & Events" page.
How is SEEDA going to ensure that everyone in the local area has the opportunity to learn about the development? back to top
As detailed in the Community Consultation Strategy it is envisaged that the Project Team will use a variety of methods to consult with the community, including face-to-face meetings, consultation events and the Internet. The Project Team want everyone to have the opportunity to get involved and contribute to the project.
Are there any plans to create an 'Eco-Town' at Daedalus? back to top
There are no plans for a new eco-town to be located at the former HMS Daedalus. It isn't one of the options currently being considered for the site. SEEDA is proposing to develop a mixed-use scheme which optimises economic potential, in particular with regard to aviation and marine opportunities. We will seek to reach the highest environmental standards throughout the regeneration of what is one of the largest brownfield sites in the Solent area.
Who is the South East England Partnership board? How does this relate to SEEDA? back to top
The South East England Partnership Board (SEEPB) took over the regional planning function from the South East England Regional Assembly when this was dissolved in March 2009 as a result of the Government's plans to streamline regional working relationships. As of 1 April 2009, responsibility for regional planning and the production of a new Single Regional Strategy rests with the SEEPB. This is supported by staff from the former assembly as well as SEEDA.
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