Solent Enterprise Zone at Daedalus Launched

2015

In 2015, the Daedalus Solent Enterprise Zone was formally launched as a strategic economic development initiative through partnership between Fareham Borough Council, development partners, and the UK government. Fareham Borough Council acquired the 369-acre former HMS Daedalus land for £1 from the Homes and Communities Agency, formally transferring ownership and enabling comprehensive redevelopment. The Enterprise Zone focused on advanced engineering, manufacturing, and technology sectors, with particular emphasis on marine, aerospace, and aviation businesses. The site's strategic location on the Solent, historical aviation heritage, existing infrastructure, and proximity to established aerospace and marine engineering clusters created ideal conditions for attracting high-value manufacturing and design businesses. The Fareham Innovation Centre opened in 2015, providing bespoke office and workshop space for start-up and growing businesses specializing in advanced manufacturing, engineering design, and technology development. The renamed site, "Solent Airport at Daedalus," retained operational aviation facilities including runway and associated infrastructure, enabling continued commercial aviation operations and flight training. Enterprise Zone status provided tax and regulatory incentives attracting innovative businesses. Businesses locating in the Enterprise Zone benefited from business rate relief, simplified planning, and enhanced broadband investment. These incentives proved effective in attracting aerospace suppliers, marine engineering firms, and aviation service providers. By 2020, multiple businesses had located at the site, creating employment and demonstrating the commercial viability of the regeneration. The Enterprise Zone represented transition from military operations to civilian economic activity, with aviation heritage informing but not constraining the economic development strategy.

Context

Enterprise Zones were UK government initiatives providing tax breaks and regulatory flexibility to stimulate business growth and employment in designated areas. Multiple Enterprise Zones were established across Britain during 2010-2016 to support economic regeneration and job creation.

Impact

The Solent Enterprise Zone established Daedalus as a centre for high-value engineering and technology employment, providing sustainable economic alternatives to military operations and demonstrating viable commercial reuse of defence sites.