Portsmouth: Council in negotiation with FatFace

Portsmouth City Council is in advanced negotiation with clothing brand FatFace to build a new distribution centre at Dunsbury Hill Farm in Havant.

The distribution centre is the first stage of an ambitious development project that will create hundreds of new jobs when the council builds a major new business park on the land it owns next to Junction 3 of the A3(M).

Leader of the council Cllr Donna Jones said: "Our plans to develop this land represent a rare opportunity to boost the local economy by creating jobs and generating income.

"This project will have a real impact on local employment and is a great example of the role we can play in maximising the potential of a council asset to create economic growth.

"We are attracting more and more investment into this area and we're dedicated to supporting projects that will not only improve our infrastructure and attractions but also boost the local economy by creating jobs and opportunities for residents.

"As the owner of the site, I am delighted that Portsmouth City Council has been able to reach an advanced stage of negotiation with this worldwide brand."

The new distribution centre is subject to successful planning and commercial negotiations and will provide up to 120,000 sq ft of working space to support FatFace's growth plans.

Simon Ratcliffe, FatFace infrastructure director, said the development would help the business to ensure the continued employment of the talented, local distribution staff who have an integral role in FatFace’s logistics operations and would also offer further opportunities for employment and job creation going forward.

Ratcliffe said: "The new site will support our expansion plans while allowing us to better serve our customer base. We also look forward to continuing our support for local employment."

The council is working on the Dunsbury Hill Farm scheme in partnership with Havant Borough Council, Hampshire County Council, and regional bodies Transport for South Hampshire, the Partnership for Urban South Hampshire (PUSH) and the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

The access road unlocking the site is currently under construction and due for completion in Spring 2016.

For further information on the plans and other development opportunities at the site call 023-9283-4954.