Dean and Dyball Chosen by SEEDA as Commercial Developer at Woolston Riverside

29 March 2006:

Another milestone in the exciting transformation of the Woolston Riverside site in Southampton was reached today with the announcement that the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) has chosen Dean and Dyball Developments as its preferred commercial development partner for the site.

The company will bring forward the commercial quarter of the Woolston Riverside site and deliver a major new marine manufacturing and service facility - enhancing the city's strong maritime heritage and reputation for marine engineering and modern technology.

As one of the largest privately owned construction and development companies in the UK, and with regionally based offices, Dean and Dyball has extensive local knowledge of marine markets and a positive track record of providing large scale marine employment developments. The company's proposed scheme embraces the principles of SEEDA's vision for the site to create a thriving and sustainable mixed-used development and incorporates a sound commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Development Director for Dean and Dyball, Bryan Taylor said: "We are very pleased to have been selected by SEEDA as one of their partners for this exciting scheme and look forward to fulfilling our key role in the transformation of Woolston Riverside."

Dean and Dyball has strong links with the area as the company behind the development of Shamrock Quay, Ocean Village and Hythe Marina. They are also particularly well suited to the type of construction work required having built many new manufacturing premises for Princess Yachts at locations around Plymouth and for Sunseeker International in Poole.

SEEDA's Development Projects Director, Peter Cusdin commented: "Dean and Dyball has an excellent reputation for delivering marine employment schemes. They will work alongside our lead residential partner, Crest Nicholson, to create a facility that maximises the unique deep water access of the River Itchen, and offers the greatest potential for job opportunities."

Covering a 4 ha (9.92 acre) area of the site, the proposals include:

North Quay - specialist working quay for repair and refit of vessels up to 50m
Centenary Quay - main commercial quayside accommodating vessels up to 76m
Central Basin - working area focused around a large hoist dock or lift with associated pontoon berthing
South Quay - new pier to accommodate feature vessels up to 65m
The shoreside area has the potential to provide up to 46,500 sq m of marine employment floor space. This will include large scale production facilities, offices, workshops and studios, along with a Marine Trade Centre.

For further information visit [www.seeda.co.uk] or [www.woolstonriverside.co.uk].