Catalina Close

Street guide, Lee-on-the-Solent

Catalina Close is a modern residential close within the Daedalus Village development, named after the Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boat, one of the most remarkable aircraft to operate during the Second World War and well beyond. The Catalina achieved legendary status through its extraordinary range, reliability, and versatility, serving with distinction across every major theatre of the Second World War in roles ranging from maritime reconnaissance to anti-submarine warfare and search and rescue operations. The aircraft's naming choice for this residential close reflects the significant role PBY Catalinas played in naval operations, particularly anti-submarine warfare in the Atlantic and Pacific theatres. Catalina Close provides family accommodation within the innovative regeneration of the historic airfield site, combining contemporary building standards with respect for the location's aviation legacy through deliberate naming and heritage commemoration strategies. The close's modern residential design contrasts with its placement on a site that witnessed extraordinary military aviation activity during the Second World War and through the subsequent Cold War period. Properties on Catalina Close benefit from contemporary construction standards, modern amenities, and new infrastructure specifically designed to support contemporary family living. The close's position within the broader Daedalus Village development means residents benefit from proximity to the Hovercraft Museum and other heritage facilities that interpret and celebrate the site's remarkable history. The naming strategy throughout Daedalus Village creates layers of heritage connection, allowing residents to understand and appreciate the historical significance of the space they inhabit. The Catalina aircraft's global fame ensures that the street's naming has international recognition, with aircraft enthusiasts and historians from around the world familiar with the PBY Catalina's extraordinary service record. Living on Catalina Close creates genuine connection to aviation heritage, with the street name serving as daily reminder of the site's historical significance. The close provides intimate, neighbourhood-focused residential living whilst contributing to the broader regeneration narrative.