PRIORITY SITES WINS COMMERCIAL WORK FOR PORTLAND OLYMPIC SITE REGENERATION

Regeneration specialist Priority Sites has been appointed preferred developer by the South West RDA to bring forward the commercial element of the mixed-use scheme on Portland, Dorset, it has been announced today.

The Osprey Quay masterplan, which will see the national sailing academy become the location for the Olympic Sailing Centre in 2012, would regenerate a disused naval barracks and runway into a vibrant waterfront that includes retail, residential, leisure and commercial space.

Priority Sites, a joint venture company owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland and English Partnerships, is planning to invest over £8 million over the next three years to bring forward over 65,000 sq ft of offices, industrial units and hybrids, which combine office space with a light industrial/assembly area.

The mixed-use scheme would be constructed to the highest design and sustainability standards throughout and help build on meeting the South West RDA’s commitment of making all its investments net zero-carbon by 2013. The scheme would also aim for an overall BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating.

With outline planning on the site, it is hoped that full planning will be submitted towards the end of the year. It is anticipated that the business premises would be completed in two phases – phase one scheduled to start on-site in spring 2009, with phase two starting in 2010 and completed in autumn 2011.

Miles Carden, Priority Sites area development manager commented: “We are delighted that Priority Sites has been chosen as the preferred developer by the South West RDA. This is a fantastic chance to be involved with a regeneration project that will deliver world-class facilities complimenting the plans for the sailing centre and marina, and unlocking the area’s business potential. The site offers a golden opportunity to leave a real legacy for Portland that will last well beyond the Olympics in 2012.”

Tony Bray, Area Director at the South West RDA added: “We are confident that by selecting Priority Sites as the preferred developer for this mixed-use employment scheme, it further demonstrates our support in transforming this area.

“We are fully committed to lead Dorset towards the development of a low-carbon economy and supporting sustainable construction in the region and Priority Sites is an excellent example of a forward thinking company in this regard. The RDA has invested millions in Osprey Quay and we want the whole region to benefit in the greatest possible way from the work on Portland.”

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