Potential new operator sought for Daedalus Airfield

A new operator for Daedalus Airfield (also known as Solent Airport) is being considered by the owner, Fareham Borough Council.

At the moment the council is seeking Expressions of Interest from potential operators as part of a formal and compliant procurement process. The current operator is RCA (Regional and City Airports Ltd) whose contract expires on 31 March 2026.

“We would like to make contact with potential operators, ie pre market engagement,” said the council. Interested and qualified candidates should make first contact by email to: [email protected]

A recently compiled council brochure for the airfield said, “When the Council purchased the 369-acre HMS Daedalus site in 2015, we knew that it had the potential to become a premier location for engineering and advanced manufacturing businesses, creating skilled employment opportunities for local people, underpinned by a vibrant and sustainable airfield.

“Less than nine years on, this has become a reality.

“Faraday Business Park is now home to dozens of valuable businesses, providing the best part of 1,000 jobs for local people. Fareham Innovation Centre alone, successfully operated for us by Oxford Innovation Space, has 57 businesses employing over 350 people.”

Existing covenants mean the site must continue to operate as an airfield, which means a change of use such as housing is unlikely.

So what does Fareham council want? Its aspirations are:

• Financial (capital and revenue) models will significantly influence final operating model
• Other, less tangible factors, such as social value, community benefit will also influence decision-making
• The council is interested in exploring a continuance of the current delivery model
• The council is also interested in exploring alternative delivery models which could include increased commercial offering, decreased activity, alternative activities (eg STOL) perhaps offered in combination with the existing model.

Solent Airport