Construction has started at Sonar Portsmouth, a 4.5-acre industrial site which offers seven highly sustainable new units.
Built in the heart of Hilsea, Portsmouth, Sonar’s units will range from 5,479 to 35,220 sq ft. The new scheme is targeting both BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings. The buildings will offer market leading sustainability credentials such as CO2 efficiency, heating and cooling systems, water saving points and fittings, as well as PV panels and EV charging points, giving substantial reductions in energy consumption and associated costs to occupiers.
Sonar, funded by Fiera Real Estate and developed by Wrenbridge, is located between Limberline Road and Norway Road, adjacent to Hilsea Rail Station and moments from the M27, making it one of the best-connected sites in Portsmouth.
Wrenbridge has completed site preparation work, after planning permission was granted in summer 2023. Construction is expected to begin in December, with units ready to occupy from 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.”
