NM9: Business and Innovation Centre
This policy is proposed to be modified from the current Neighbourhood Plan
Policy NM8: Health and Wellbeing Centre and/or Policy NM9: Business and Innocation Centre will be deleted if it is confirmed that the preferred site for a new Health and Wellbeing Centre and/or business innovation centre/hub is now at Caird Avenue.
The sites would remain included in policy NM5 Town Centre Regeneration to recognise the potential of these location for brownfield redevelopment
Policy NM9: Business and Innovation Centre
The Neighbourhood Plan identifies the Innovation/ Business Centre, as shown on the Policies Maps, as a Town Centre redevelopment scheme.
Development proposals for new
B1Class E (c and g) flexible, affordable office accommodation to serve start-up businesses will be supported to assist in the diversification of the local economy.Proposals should include access to ultra-fast broadband and providing a support hub for local businesses including training and seminar facilities
Please review the proposed modifications and tell the steering group your thoughts on the proposed changes.
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Original policy text
The Neighbourhood Plan identifies the Innovation/ Business Centre, as shown on the Policies Maps, as a Town Centre redevelopment scheme.
Development proposals for new B1 Class E flexible, affordable office accommodation to serve start-up businesses will be supported to assist in the diversification of the local economy.
Proposals should include access to ultra-fast broadband and providing a support hub for local businesses including training and seminar facilities
Supporting text
The change of class is reflective of changes in national policy on use classes.
NFDC has identified the high growth/low impact digital economy as strategically important. Conveniently located between the emerging digital powerhouse of Bournemouth and Southampton and the excellent connections by rail.
New Milton is well placed to help drive this strategy. The Innovation/Business Centre has the potential to act as a catalyst for attracting and developing new digital businesses into New Milton and the wider area.
The A&T print works site has recently launched the IncuHive Innovation and Business Centre, with flexible business accommodation, laboratory/workshop, meeting rooms and seminar facilities. The next phase is to develop a Film and Green Screen Studio that would complement the New Forest District Council’s Film:New Forest initiative (to promote the New Forest as a filming location) and a burgeoning gaming industry in the District.
In addition to the provision of on-site services, the Innovation/Business Centre creates opportunities for graduation office space around the town, including the Caird Avenue site.
New Milton’s unique combination of assets: excellent rail access between Bournemouth and London; ultra-fast broadband; a superb coastal/forest location—and a large opportunity site at the A&T print works in the Town Centre provide the strong potential to attract young digital entrepreneurs to New Milton, supporting a more balanced and flexible local economy which reflects not only the proposed changes to the demographic profile of the town but also the economic needs of the District.