HAVING acquired the employment land on the former OSU site in Liphook from Taylor Wimpey in March, East Hampshire District Council is now seeking planning permission to develop it.

The application is for two office blocks, creating up to 1,600sq m B1A gross internal area and three industrial units creating up to 600sq m B1C gross internal.

The project is part of EHDC’s approach to driving the future growth of the local economy and will provide jobs and business space as well as a rental income.

Developers Taylor Wimpey Southern Counties has made the project possible by releasing the site for this use and has also committed to providing a new access for the premises.

The Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership has put £1.6m toward EHDC’s pilot projects while the council has set aside another £1m.

Rental income generated by new business premises will be re-invested in the local economy through apprenticeships and business support schemes.

EHDC is determined to become one of the country’s most business-friendly councils and has launched the project as part of its East Hampshire Invest for Growth Initiative.