The Cavendish Centre Economic Development Case

Hardisty Jones was appointed by the client to help articulate the economic case for the proposed development. The Cavendish Centre, which was used for office accommodation, was constructed in the 1960s and in a poor state of repair with known health and safety concerns. A review of potential options for refurbishment and redevelopment concluded that redeveloping the site solely for office uses was unviable. To ensure commercial viability and secure the site’s ongoing employment role in line with local planning policy, the proposed development comprised co-working office space and purpose-built student accommodation.

Hardisty Jones reviewed documents published by the former Enterprise M3 LEP and Winchester City Council to understand policy context and the ambitions of the local area in relation to economic growth.

We also engaged with local stakeholders, including Winchester City Council’s economic development team, University of Winchester, and the Enterprise M3 Growth Hub to explain the concept and to explore interest in the scheme and explore the potential for providing business support within the building.

The review of documents, coupled with stakeholder consultation responses, found consistent messaging around the importance of supporting the development of start-up and growth companies. Research found unmet and latent demand for incubator, accelerator spaces, co-working facilities and flexible office environments, which had been cited as a barrier to growth in Winchester. These findings helped demonstrate the economic case for the proposed development.

Our work also assessed the likely economic impacts, in terms of employment, wages, and gross value added arising from the construction and operation of the proposed development, including the benefits arising from student expenditure within Winchester. It was concluded that the proposed redevelopment of the Cavendish Centre would deliver significant positive economic impacts to Winchester’s economy.

The proposed development was granted planning permission in 2020 and has been built.

If you would like to talk to us about how we can support your efforts to set out the economic case for and assess the economic impacts for a development, please get in touch using the project lead contact details provided below.