Muse grabs £200m Basingstoke project

  Muse Developments has been appointed to bring forward a £200m redevelopment project in Basingstoke, Hampshire.   Basingstoke and Deane borough council have appointed the developer as its partner for the Basing View project. The 700,000 sq ft scheme aims to turn the area into a “21st Century business destination”.   The scheme will be built on 15-acres of council-owned land and will include a mix of new office space, a business class hotel and other supporting facilities.   The council has confirmed that it will commit £3.3m to deliver estate infrastructure improvements, which have already begun with the demolition of two vacant buildings. The local authority has also earmarked £5m of investment funds to help stimulate new development at the scheme.   Councillor Ranil Jayawardena, cabinet member for finance and property, said: “The quality and commitment of the proposals is testimony to the council’s strong support for Basing View and our willingness to play a pro-active role in the partnership.    “We are very pleased to be working with Muse Developments to drive forward our vision for a modern, regionally recognised, business destination – delivering real economic growth for Basingstoke and North Hampshire.”   Mike Auger, regional director for Muse, added: “We welcome the strong contribution from the council which will no doubt assist in its delivery. We will now work together to finalise our plans for the site and aim to enter into development agreements in the New Year.”   The first planning application for the project is expected to be submitted before the end of next year, with work on site scheduled to begin in late 2013, subject to planning consent.   CBRE and DTZ Hospitality advised.   samantha.mcclary@estatesgazette.com