Daedalus Waterfront Regeneration Project, HMS Daedalus
Heritage Potential provided comprehensive heritage advice for the regeneration masterplan and planning applications for a 350-home residential-led mixed use scheme at HMS Daedalus, a former WW1 naval seaplane base. Demonstrating our ability to support complex heritage-led regeneration, combining detailed research, stakeholder engagement, and policy justification to inform sensitive change on a site with extensive heritage assets.
Challenge
HMS Daedalus is a largely vacant former military base with a long history as a naval seaplane station. The site contains 33 heritage assets, including listed hangars still housing the Hovercraft Museum and the Princess Anne hovercraft, creating a highly sensitive heritage context for regeneration.
Proposals for a residential-led redevelopment required balancing regeneration and viability objectives against the loss of some non-designated heritage assets, while securing support from Conservation Officers and Historic England.
Evidence-led heritage justification for the regeneration of a major mixed-use development and the delivery of wider economic, social, and public benefits.
Approach
Completed literature review, site surveys and archival research
Prepared a detailed Building Gazetteer covering 33 heritage assets
Provided heritage advice across masterplan, planning, listed building and EIA processes
Designed and delivered two public exhibitions, including events within the Princess Anne hovercraft
Led ongoing engagement with Gosport Conservation Officers through meetings and site visits
Worked closely with Historic England to explain design progression and heritage justification
Outcome
Heritage strategy prepared to support a 350-home residential-led mixed use regeneration scheme
Historic England agreement that limited heritage loss was justified by wider public benefits
Support secured from Conservation Officers and Historic England at application stage
A balanced heritage case addressing viability, regeneration and heritage impact