Decision details

Following the transfer of land at Daedalus to the Borough Council, to consider the draft Vision and outline strategy for the future of the site, prior to a public consultation exercise.

On 2nd March 2015, the Executive gave approval for the acquisition of the airfield at Daedalus, and the Enterprise Zone development areas to its east and west. The transfer took place on 27th March.

In the ensuing period officers have been in dialogue with airfield tenants, the airfield operator, potential future investors and other interested parties to gain a better understanding of how the airfield operates at present and its potential for the future. During this time a great deal of effort has been put in to ensuring that the Council is able to undertake its estate management responsibilities for this large new asset in an efficient and effective manner.

As a result of this work, a Vision and an outline strategy for the future of the site has been prepared and this is attached at Appendix A.  The purpose of this document is to articulate the Council’s aspirations for the airfield and how it intends to achieve them.  As such it is intended that it will be the subject of consultation with local residents, current and prospective airfield users, key partners such as the Solent LEP and Hampshire County Council and potential future investors.  It will then be finalised and will form one of the principal building blocks of a comprehensive Masterplan for the part of the land at Daedalus owned by the Borough Council.

The report also requests delegated authority for the Director of Finance & Resources to amend the fees and charges from time to time, following consultation with the Policy & Resources portfolio holder, in order that the Council can respond quickly to demand for these facilities in the future.

RESOLVED that the Executive:

(a)     notes the draft Vision and Outline Strategy attached at Appendix A to this report and requests officers to undertake a public consultation exercise with local residents and interested parties; and

(b)     delegates authority to the Director of Finance & Resources to amend the fees and charges from time to time, following consultation with the Policy & Resources portfolio holder, and to introduce ad-hoc promotional arrangements as appropriate.