Map giant’s plans for Nursling HQ go on show

An 800,000sqft office campus for the national mapping agency, which is currently based at Maybush, will be the major feature in the development of the 78-acre site.

The exhibition will be on Friday, July 13, from 2.30pm to 7pm, and on Saturday, July 14, from 10.30am to 3pm at the Peter Digby Scouting Centre, Joe Bigwood Close, Nursling.

The land, owned by the Barker Mill Trust, has long been earmarked by Test Valley Borough Council for employment development for one or a limited number of large-scale users.

The exhibition will be manned by a team of consultants who are advising the trust, including representatives from Turley Associates, Humberts, WSP and The Landmark Practice, as well as Ordnance Survey's own project team and their architects, Broadway Malyan.

"The public consultation process is a vital part of exploring the possible development of this site," said John O'Donovan, of Turley Associates.

"Only when we have heard what residents and interest groups have to say will we be able to finalise that vision and take the next step of seeking Test Valley Borough Council's approval."

The national mapping agency hopes its plot at Adanac Park will be the first to be developed and it has already reached an agreement with construction firm, Kier, in relation to its relocation.

A detailed planning application for the new OS HQ will be made at the same time as the outline application for the park as a whole.

"Our plans have been designed to help safeguard our long-term future as an innovative, world-class organisation and major employer in the Southampton area," said OS director general and chief executive, Vanessa Lawrence.

"I am delighted that we have the opportunity to share the vision for our new headquarters with those we hope will become our neighbours."

Once the consultation is completed the public's response will be reviewed before the planning application for Adanac Park is submitted.