The inaugural South Coast Commercial Property Show (“SCCPS”) attracted a capacity audience yesterday, as some of the sector’s leading businesses came together for a day of information gathering and sector market updates. Keynote speaker, Mark Gregory, EY’s Chief Economist led the market updates with an insightful presentation on Britain Beyond Brexit: building a balanced economy.
Supported by the three local property associations – Southampton, Portsmouth and Bournemouth – the first SCCPS also saw the launch of the new Hampshire Portfolio showcasing the key commercial and mixed use development, investment and occupier opportunities across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The Portfolio is owned and produced by Hampshire County Council, sponsored by CBRE, JLL, Lambert Smith Hampton, Savills and Vail Williams.
The event also saw Southampton City Council unveiling its masterplan for the transformation of the Mayflower Quarter. One of the most significant regeneration projects in the country will see the Mayflower Quarter provide world-class facilities for businesses, homes, retail and leisure; re-connecting the waterfront with the city centre.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council provided an update on the amalgamation of nine Dorset councils into two brand new unitary Councils. BCP Council is now the 12th largest Council in the UK serving nearly 500,000 residents. Bournemouth’s Town Centre regeneration initiative branded as the Town Centre Vision is now well underway with £380m of development completed since 2013, over £120m of development currently in the construction phase and a further £400m of development planned in the next two to three years.
In addition the property exhibition area hosted stands from Portsmouth City Council, Moore Blatch, Headspace, NexGen The Landsite, RO Group, JLL, Spectrum, Winchester City Council, TOOB, Bridging VAT, Apollo Car Chargers, Shoosmiths, Fourspace Workspace, QA Business Tax Relief Expert, Wilkins Kennedy, Dutton Gregory, Proplend, LSH, Solent LEP and Business Hampshire.
The day opened with an hour of speed networking, followed by lunch for guests and hosts. The afternoon session began with a series of CPD events hosted by Wilkins Kennedy, Dutton Gregory, QA Business Tax Relief Experts, Hampshire County and Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Councils, giving participants excellent sector specific updates on VAT, Service Charges and Capital Allowances.
Commenting on the day, event organiser Lucy Richmond said:
“Today’s show has been so well received by participants and attendees alike. The unveiling of the Mayflower Quarter masterplan and launch of Business Hampshire demonstrated just how much the South Coast has to offer.
“The wealth of opportunities across numerous commercial property sectors and the market update presentations from the leading real estate practitioners gave in depth views on capital markets, industrial & logistics, offices, retail & leisure and residential sectors, all of which reinforced the importance of the South Coast in the UK’s wider economic performance.
“I’m extremely grateful to all our sponsors and speakers, without whom events such as these wouldn’t happen, and look forward to next year’s Commercial Property Show.”
EY’s Mark Gregory added:
“The economy on the south coast is hugely diverse and despite levels of uncertainty remaining high, there are opportunities for well-managed businesses operating in sectors such as marine, technology and education, especially within the Private Middle Market, to flourish.
“Following a prolonged period where the south coast saw higher than average GVA growth when compared to the rest of the UK (2015-2018), the next three years are expected to be much tougher, resulting in lower than average GVA growth for the region. This helps to strengthen the case for more geographic rebalancing.”
The day ended with informal drinks reception to celebrate this month’s Oktoberfest, sponsored by JLL.
JLL, Nella Pang, Director added:
“We are pleased to be involved with the first South Coast Commercial Property Show, bringing together key stakeholders across the South Coast to help unlock commercial opportunities. We look forward to this being an annual event as we feel it is important to share the amazing opportunities available across Hampshire and Dorset.”
