To guide the transformation of Daedalus Waterfront, we’ve established a set of Place Principles that ensures its spirit is preserved and that articulates a clear vision for its future – one that honours its past, whilst unlocking its future potential.
These principles ensure that the character and legacy of this iconic location are not only preserved but enhanced, shaping Daedalus Waterfront into a place the people of Lee-on-the-Solent can celebrate with renewed confidence and connection.
Historically a place for pushing boundaries, cutting-edge engineering, national achievement and international impact, Daedalus Waterfront has been shaped by the activity and purpose of those who worked and trained there. We listened to feedback from the local community who made it clear: this site should remain productive, not just become a dormitory. That’s why our first phase focuses on creating employment, fostering innovation, and ensuring that Daedalus continues to play an active role in the economic life of the region—building on its 100-year legacy of advanced mobility, innovation and enterprise.
Daedalus has a layered and powerful history—its stories, architecture, gardens and open spaces are central to its identity and are the most vital aspects of its future. We are committed to restoring its historic assets and integrating them into future development, while also honouring the lives lived here and the remarkable achievements that made this place extraordinary. These cherished memories will be embedded in to the very fabric of Daedalus Waterfront, creating continuity between the past, present, and future.
The Hovercraft Museum—historic home of the Interservice Hovercraft Trials Unit—embodies the experimental spirit of both the site and Daedalus himself. It represents a defining chapter in the site’s story. As the museum evolves, it will continue to anchor the future of Daedalus Waterfront both culturally and historically, transforming its remarkable collection into a world-class destination of global interest and local pride. In doing so, it will reinforce Daedalus’s legacy as a home of pioneering technology and engineering innovation.
When Daedalus was a functioning naval base, and home of the Fleet Air Arm, it stood as a beacon of British engineering and dedicated service. It was the pride of Lee and the Royal Navy. Since its closure in 1997, that shine has faded. But the regeneration of Daedalus Waterfront marks a turning point—we will revitalise the site, drawing people back, and restoring a sense of collective pride through community, growth, and renewal.
Daedalus’s unique 100-year history of innovation, invention and engineering and rare connectivity—by land, sea and air—means it offers unparalleled potential for pioneering industries. Building on the success of the Farnham Innovation Centre, CEMAST, and the surrounding airfield, as well as Hampshire’s broader economic focus, Daedalus Waterfront is set to become a hub for integrated, sustainable development. It’s a place where technology, research, and entrepreneurship can converge to shape tomorrow’s economy.
The residential counterpart to the commercial vision reflects a deep appreciation for the incredible natural qualities that draw so many people to live on the Solent. The site is blessed with miles of beach, offering stunning views of the Solent and the Isle of Wight, as well as access to an extensive network of coastal paths, parks, and nature reserves. Our residential development will be rooted in these rich natural surroundings, and ensure that Lee-on-the-Solent remains a unique and desirable place to call home.
At Daedalus Waterfront we aim to create a complete community and cultivate a real sense of belonging among those who live, work and spend time here. Through thoughtfully designed public spaces, shared experiences, and opportunities to collaborate, Daedalus Waterfront will become a place where people forge relationships, contribute to a collective story and share a common sense of purpose.
In its time as a functioning naval base, Daedalus was more than a place of work—it was a vibrant community where people lived, trained, built careers, made lifelong friends, met and started families. It shaped countless lives and created enduring connections. Today, our mixed-use vision for Daedalus Waterfront seeks to revive that same richness of experience. Through a carefully planned mix of homes, workplaces, learning environments, and social spaces, it will once again become a place where life happens in full—where people can connect, grow, and thrive.
Daedalus Waterfront, with its diverse mix of uses, spaces, tenants, residents, and users, is not just a collection of plots or phases, it is one cohesive place where everyone can contribute meaningfully. It is a community of people, businesses, buildings and green spaces, united by a shared purpose, a shared history, and a shared future. With a strong vision and a deep pride in its heritage, Daedalus Waterfront will be somewhere that everyone can find their place and feel part of something lasting for generations to come.
The future of Daedalus Waterfront is rooted in responsibility; to the environment, to people, and to long-term stewardship. Our commitment to ESG principles ensures that every decision we make considers its wider impact. Environmentally, we’re embracing sustainable design, re-using and re-purposing historical buildings, renewable energy, walkability and biodiversity to protect and enhance the natural landscape. Socially, we’re creating an inclusive, accessible, and safe place that reflects the needs and aspirations of the whole community. This isn’t just about doing the right thing, it’s about building a place that endures, innovates, inspires, and leads by example.