Welborne Science Park greenlit to create 300 jobs
Fareham Borough Council has approved the first phase of the Western Employment Area at Welborne Science and Technology Park, promising 300 jobs and nine advanced facilities. The £85 million development will house labs, manufacturing units, and green infrastructure, with construction beginning in early 2025.
Fareham Borough Council has given the green light to the Western Employment Area at Welborne Science and Technology Park, a £85 million project set to transform the Hampshire countryside into a hub for innovation and industry. The council’s planning committee approved the first phase on Wednesday, unlocking 300 jobs and nine state-of-the-art facilities dedicated to research, manufacturing, logistics, and warehousing. Located off Wickham Road, the park will anchor the Welborne Garden Village, a 6,000-home community under construction.
The development will feature nine industrial units ranging from 30,000 to 100,000 square feet, equipped with advanced laboratories, production lines, and storage bays. Office spaces will support staff, while new roads, service yards, and parking for 500 cars and 200 bicycles will ease congestion. Noise barriers and ecological safeguards have been mandated to protect nearby residents and wildlife, with strict operational rules enforced during construction and operation.
Key Details
- ✅ Nine units spanning 30,000–100,000 sq ft
- ⚡ 300 permanent jobs from day one
- 💡 Green infrastructure: 2-mile footpath to Welborne Mile
Council documents reveal the project addresses noise, drainage, and energy concerns through outline planning conditions, including solar panel requirements and low-carbon heating systems. The Western Employment Area will also integrate with Welborne’s broader infrastructure, including schools, shops, and a planned community center. Construction is slated to start in January 2025, with completion expected by 2027.
| Facility Type | Size (sq ft) | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|
| Laboratory Unit | 50,000 | Biotech and R&D |
| Manufacturing Hall | 100,000 | Production lines |
| Logistics Hub | 70,000 | Storage and distribution |
Local leaders hailed the decision as a turning point for Welborne, a 1,600-acre site earmarked for sustainable growth. Fareham Borough Council leader Sean Woodward said the park would attract high-tech firms while maintaining rural character. “This isn’t just about jobs,” Woodward said. “It’s about creating a balanced community where industry and nature coexist.”
💡 Industry Insight
Companies relocating here will benefit from Hampshire’s strong transport links, including the M27 and M3, as well as Southampton’s port facilities. Early applicants should secure units by late 2024 to align with phased occupancy.
The park’s design includes a two-mile pedestrian and cycling route connecting to the Welborne Mile, a 50-acre green space with play areas and allotments. Developers have committed to planting 10,000 trees and installing electric vehicle charging points across the site. Noise mitigation measures, such as acoustic fencing and building orientation, will limit disturbances to neighboring villages.
📋 Project Specs
- Total investment — £85 million
- Total units — Nine
- Job creation — 300 permanent roles
- Construction timeline — January 2025 to 2027
Ecologists have approved the plans after confirming minimal impact on local species, including badgers and bats. The development will also include a 20,000-liter rainwater harvesting system to reduce runoff. Residents in Wickham and nearby villages will receive consultation updates as construction progresses, with a public forum scheduled for next month.
- 📊 The park aligns with Hampshire’s 2030 growth strategy
- 🔍 Early interest from clean energy and pharmaceutical firms
- ⚠️ Some residents oppose increased traffic on Wickham Road
The approval comes amid broader criticism of greenfield developments in southern England, but Fareham Council insists Welborne’s infrastructure will offset environmental concerns. The Western Employment Area is just one component of the 6,000-home garden village, which will eventually house 15,000 people by 2035.
Industry analysts predict the park could attract £150 million in private investment within five years, positioning Hampshire as a competitor to Oxford and Cambridge’s science hubs. The first tenants are expected to move in by mid-2026, with full operational capacity reached by 2028.