AFTER securing a deal for the former OSU site in Liphook with owner Taylor Wimpey in March, East Hampshire District Council has appointed architects who are preparing detailed designs, necessary to procure the outstanding consents for 2,000 square metres of office and light industrial premises.

A district council spokesman said: “There has been an encouraging level of interest from potential business occupiers.”

The project is part of EHDC’s approach to driving the future growth of the local economy and will provide jobs and business space as well as a rental income.

Developer Taylor Wimpey Southern Counties has made the project possible by releasing the site for such a use and has also committed to providing a new road access for the premises. Hampshire’s M3 Local Enterprise Partnership has put aside £1.6m toward the district council’s pilot projects while the council has agreed to contribute a futher £1m.

Rental income generated by new business premises will be re-invested in the local economy through apprenticeships and business support schemes.

EHDC is determined to become one of the country’s most business-friendly councils and has launched the project as part of its East Hampshire Invest for Growth initiative.