Portsmouth: Merlin Park industrial development work nears completion

Portsmouth’s largest speculative industrial development in a decade is unveiled in major regeneration boost to region. Construction works are nearing completion at Portsmouth’s £10 million Merlin Park development, which is set to create hundreds of jobs and bring a significant economic boost to the region.

Developers, agents and civic leaders, including Portsmouth City Council leader Donna Jones, gathered today at the site, off Airport Service Road, for a first look at the prestigious development as it nears completion. Merlin Park is the city’s largest speculative industrial development in a decade and brings a large brownfield site back into commercial use.

The 6.5-acre site features some 100,000 sq ft of new employment space in seven units for business, industrial and warehouse uses, and will also be the home of Hampshire Constabulary’s new Eastern Police Investigation Centre.

The site has been regenerated by Canmoor Developments, with leading South Coast commercial property specialist Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) and CBRE acting as joint agents for the site as it goes to market. Merlin Park will be completed in early July.

Robin Dickens, director in the South Coast industrial property team at LSH, said: “The Merlin Park development is highly significant for the region and its speculative nature is a firm stamp of approval on the strength of the city’s economy. It’s exciting to see such a large brownfield site being brought back into use and delivering this level of jobs and investment for the city.”

Tom Hughes, director at Canmoor developments, said: “This part of Portsmouth has seen a number of high-profile companies move in over the past decade and Merlin Park will ensure this success story continues.

“Businesses are attracted to the site’s excellent transport links, with the M27, M3, A3 and Portsmouth Ferry Port in close proximity. This accessibility, combined with such a high-quality development at a prominent location, means we are very excited about this site.”

Donna Jones, leader of Portsmouth City Council, said: “It’s great to see a really fantastic, up-to-date, brand new redevelopment of what was an old factory site in the middle of the biggest industrial estate in the city of Portsmouth.

“These are fantastic spaces for industrial class uses and hundreds of jobs will be created here, right near the Hilsea train station and just off the M27 – a fantastic location for businesses looking to relocate or expand.”