Work starts on sustainable seven-unit, 4.5-acre industrial site in Portsmouth

Construction on Sonar Portsmouth is now underway.

Once complete, the 4.5-acre site in the heart of Hilsea, Portsmouth, will feature seven new units built with sustainability in mind.

Ranging from 5,479 to 35,220 square feet, the units are targeting both BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings and will offer a variety of sustainability credentials including CO2 efficiency, heating and cooling systems, water saving points and fittings, as well as PV panels and EV charging points.

Sonar, funded by Fiera Real Estate and developed by Wrenbridge, is located between Limberline Road and Norway Road, adjacent to Hilsea Rail Station and close to the M27, making it well connected.

Wrenbridge completed site preparation work following the approval of planning permission in summer of this year, construction expected to start fully in December ahead of occupation in late summer 2024.

The industrial and logistics buildings are designed to suit a range of storage, distribution and manufacturing uses, and benefit from up to 12m clear internal height, 50kN / sq m floor loading and level access loading doors.

CBRE are joint agents on the scheme with Vail Williams. Nick Tutton, CBRE Senior Director, said: “After a prolonged period of vacancy, it is positive to see work on this important site begin.

“Availability of industrial space across the South Coast although increasing, is still limited, particularly for quality space. With sustainability high on the agenda, the new units at Sonar Portsmouth will offer one of the most sustainable options in the region.”

Will Jarman, Associate Director at Wrenbridge and Development Manager for Sonar, commented: “We are delighted to bring our high-quality product to the South Coast and deliver much needed brand new space to this brilliant location.

“Sonar offers a great range of units to create a thriving destination for businesses to relocate to and upgrade operations.”

Chris Button, Head of Investment Management, UK, Fiera Real Estate, commented: “Sonar demonstrates Fiera Real Estate’s commitment to providing much needed new, sustainable industrial and logistics accommodation.

“Sonar will resonate with occupiers seeking to geo-locate to a high-quality scheme in an ocean of obsolete and sub-standard product”

Alex Gauntlett, Partner, Vail Williams, added: “The estate is providing much needed new industrial/warehouse space benefiting from great access to the M27/A3 corridors and we are already experiencing strong expressions of interest.”

• https://sonarportsmouth.co.uk/

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