A well-known feature of HMS Daedalus is its Hovercraft Museum. Run by a team of passionate volunteers, the museum hosts the world’s largest hovercraft collection, several of which are listed on The National Historic Ships Register.

However, like much of HMS Daedalus, the museum needs support to modernise, refurbish and attract more visitors. To secure its future as a destination befitting Hampshire’s proud Naval and Maritime tradition, the museum requires long-term stability and access to funding and skills. This will also ensure a successful restoration of the museum’s home in Seaplane Square.

Daedalus Waterfront is actively supporting the museum, including funding a business plan to promote growth, leveraging our network to bring supporters, inputting creative ideas and providing financial support to help secure full funding.

By preserving and upgrading this historic site, the Hovercraft Museum will become the cornerstone of Daedalus Waterfront, creating a world-class tourist attraction – serving as a gateway to new homes, workplaces, and public areas.

Daedalus Waterfront Showcase Solent Sky Services (33)

A fresh start for HMS Daedalus

HMS Daedalus can once again be a crucial part of Lee-on-the-Solent, offering a link to its military history, and providing a world-class leisure destination celebrating 100 years of innovation and ingenuity.

New homes in historic buildings

The ambition is to create a complete community, with the provision of circa 270 new homes, and the refurbishment of the existing heritage buildings for a further 76 homes.

Support for the Hovercraft Museum

Daedalus Waterfront is actively supporting the museum, including funding a business plan to promote growth, leveraging our network to bring supporters, inputting creative ideas and providing financial support to help secure full funding.

Building for a Healthy Life

The development team’s vision includes a commitment to strong ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) principles. We plan to implement several initiatives to remain in step with, and where possible, exceed regulations.

New jobs and local economic value

The development will meet and grow local demand for small, medium and mid-sized industrial units, acting as a catalyst for the wider development.

Sustainable transport and parking strategy

The proposals have been designed to meet the needs of a modern community, where people can work effectively from home when it is possible to do so while also delivering an attractive environment to support the on-site employees.