Set to be one of the largest solar parking canopy projects in the UK, the solar PV and battery installation has been confirmed to go ahead on site.

This ground-breaking project will put roof-mounted solar PV arrays across five buildings, solar car park canopies in 3 car parks with battery storage installed alongside.  

The works will consist of:  

• 1,820 roof-mounted solar PV panels across 5 buildings   

• 7,105 solar PV panels installed above existing car parking spaces, creating solar canopies  
• Electric vehicle (EV) charging points with infrastructure to install additional charging points as demand increases   
• 2MW battery installation to store excess solar energy, to be used at peak periods during the day and provide services to the local electricity network at times of high demand 

The Solar PV system size is 4.462 megawatts (MWp), with 910 kilowatts (kWp) on the 5 buildings and 3,552kWp of Solar Car Park Canopies.   The Solar PV system will generate more than 4 million kWh’s per annum which is the same as powering 1,300 homes (average 3-bed house) for a year and is projected to save more than 860 tonnes of carbon dioxide from being emitted each year.   

The Solar PV and battery installation started on 21 August 2023 and will be completed by Autumn 2024.   

Lakeside will consume just over 64% of the generated power which equates to 37% of the site’s electricity requirements, the same as over 1,000 homes’ annual electricity consumption.  The battery will provide additional power to the site.   

The battery storage will be controlled to ensure it maximises the benefit to Lakeside North Harbour. In times of high power prices, the battery will discharge to Lakeside to minimise consumption from the grid.  During grid peaks and troughs the battery will discharge/charge, take part in other grid services with any unused power exported to the grid.  

Custom Solar, a Mitie company, will be installing the solar panels, solar canopies, 2MW battery and EV chargers alongside the council’s in-house energy services and building projects team who will be managing and funding the installation.  

Councillor Kimberly Barrett, Cabinet member for Climate Change and Greening the City said:  

“We are constantly aiming to improve our solar power in Portsmouth, and to begin working on possibly the largest solar canopy project in the UK is a great step in coming closer to our goal of Net Zero by 2030 and using greener energy in the city.”   

Simon Bateman, Manager at Lakeside said: 

“This is a fantastic opportunity for Lakeside businesses to benefit from the council’s 2030 net zero target at no direct cost to them.  This solar project will enable us to have a 100% green electric supply for all 55 businesses at Lakeside. The environment is a fundamental core value at Lakeside – from creating the right atmosphere for our occupier community, to driving sustainability and efficient use of our valuable resources.”

Gary Sucharewycz, Sales Director of Solar and Storage Solutions, Custom Solar, a Mitie company, said:  

“This latest solar project at Lakeside North Harbour continues Portsmouth City Council’s trailblazing approach to decarbonise and diversify energy sources in the city which will also benefit the many businesses based at the business park. With this unique project we’ll be bringing together expertise from across Mitie to deliver a broad range of technology solutions, including rooftop solar and solar car ports, battery storage, LED lighting, electric vehicle charge points and electrical infrastructure services. We’re extremely proud to have been awarded this contract and look forward to continuing our support of the Council and its drive to achieve its net zero goals.”

Over the last year we’ve undertaken many new initiatives, to ensure our site is sustainable and environmentally friendly – you can read more about our work and future plans here.

Why a Beryl Bike?

We already know getting on a bike is good for us – offering a happier and healthier commute to work option.  Now a ride to work is even easier at Lakeside, with the introduction of the Beryl Bike share scheme.

By replacing car journeys with more sustainable bike or e-bike journeys  you can help reduce your carbon footprint, and demonstrate your commitment to the planet.  As well as contributing towards reducing traffic congestion on the roads and harmful carbon emissions, which is a big boost for air quality.

Plus with the cost of living at an all time high and fuel prices going up, bike share can offer a great way to save. Using shared bikes and e-bikes is a cost effective alternative to private vehicle ownership, removing the costs associated with fuel, storage, road tax, insurance, MOT and maintenance.

As well as financial benefits, a bike ride offers great health benefits, a ride to work is an easy way to get more active, a proven to boost physical fitness and mental wellbeing.

Getting started

Riders can hire a bike through the Beryl app, available for download on the App Store for iOS and the Google Play Store for Android users. Once registered, you can use the app to simply pick up and drop off bikes at secure parking places close to where you live and work, including now at Lakeside, Beryl Bike bays are located at the front of Building 1000 and 2000.

For more information on Beryl Bikes and where else you can hire from click here.

Taster Sessions

Beryl are now offering occupiers free taster sessions, giving you and your colleagues the opportunity to test the bikes and e-bikes out and experience how easy it is to use this scheme.  A team of up to 6 including you can enjoy between 30mins and 1 hour of group cycle ride instruction, completely free.

They provide the instructors, the brand new Beryl bikes and the route around the Lakeside campus – and they will even throw in some free Beryl minutes.  All they ask for is for you to sign up, show up, and complete their survey.

Whether a breakfast ride, lunch break or after work, it’s up to you and a great way to gain confidence on two wheels.  Contact travel@portsmouthcc.gov.uk to arrange a ride.

Beryl in Solent

Working with Solent Transport and its local authority partners, Beryl recently expanded their bike and e-bike hire scheme across Portsmouth, Southampton and the Isle of Wight.

The scheme is designed to provide the best possible service for users by being delivered both in partnership with local authorities and in consultation with communities and key stakeholders. Following expansion, 90% of people living in the operating area are within a five-minute walk of a Beryl bay.

Running as a trial as part of the Solent Future Transport Zone, the scheme is funded by the Department for Transport. It aims to help reduce congestion and  CO2 emissions, improve air quality and inspire healthy, active travel choices across the Solent region.

Both pedal bikes and e-bikes are available for everyone aged 16 and over, offering fun, easy and sustainable travel for residents and visitors alike.

For more information, visit Beryl Bikes.

Lakeside Builds a strong relationships with MIND – A Local Mental Health Charity

Tell us about Havant and East Hants Mind…

Established in 1990, Havant and East Hants Mind, was formed by a group of mental health professionals and other passionate and interested individuals.

Affiliated to National Mind, for more than 30 years the Havant and East Hants good cause has delivered an array of services that are tailored to the needs of the local community.

It provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem and campaigns to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.

More recently Hampshire wide services and projects have been added to the charity’s portfolio and offering. Examples of these include Families Services, Sports Club support (Ambassadors) and Workplace Wellbeing.

Working together

Havant and East Hants Mind has had a relationship with Lakeside and many of the businesses based on site for around five years, which has included Carrington West, Checkatrade, Hippo and Hewitt Matthews.

Over the past three years, that relationship has only grown stronger with the Lakeside team and has led to a number of events and stands being hosted in at the campus.

Some of the highlights have included:

Many Lakeside occupiers have attended Mind’s specialist training sessions throughout the year and businesses have joined in with fundraising.

● A total of 21 people attended Mind’s suicide prevention course
● A team from Hewitt Matthews business decided to support the charity by doing a tough mudder to raise funds.
● Hippo Waste donated £4,000, which is funding the charity’s children’s crisis service for over two months this year.
● Astute Recruitment bought more than 60 children’s toys/presents for children in our services who were within families struggling with their finances.
● Carrington West have worked with Mind for several years and all of their managers undertake MHA training.

Building on momentum

Simon Bateman, Asset Manager at Lakeside North Harbour, said:

“Health and wellbeing is one of the core values of Lakeside North Harbour and at the heart of everything that we do here. Working with Havant and East Hants Mind enables us to enhance the services provided to our occupiers.

“It is a chance for us, through our partnership with the charity, to pass on vital information to occupiers and offer help to anyone who may need it and support a very worthy cause at the same time.

“Lakeside continues to be more than just a place where people come and work. It is a collaborative space that is changing the face of what a place of work should look like and the services that are on offer to employees and businesses alike.”

Anna Zakotti, Workplace and Wellbeing Training Manager, said:

“As a Workplace Wellbeing & Training Team, we empower people through confidence and knowledge, supporting cultural change, and fostering a supportive workplace.

“Our training program and workplace support have been continuously evolving, developing a strong bond with Lakeside North Harbour and its teams. This collaboration has boosted our fundraising efforts, staff training, and access to vital support services.

“Partnering with Lakeside has been a privilege, and we look forward to future collaborations in various other locations.”

Special events

Events hosted by Havant and East Hants Mind at Lakeside included bitesize sessions for Mental Health Week under the theme of anxiety. Anxiety is one of the most common mental health problems people can face and the sessions were a chance to focus on managing it in the workplace.

A stand was also set up for businesses and individuals to talk to the team about Mental Health Week and the services that Havant and East Hants Mind offer.

For further information about Havant and East Hants Mind visit www.easthantsmind.org

What makes Lakeside the place to be and Workplace of the Year*

Here’s the line up of our occupiers’ favourite amenities and facilities…

1. Environment – Our 130-acre site not only accommodates 640,000 sq. ft of premium office space it also has a 19 acre lake with vast amounts of open outdoor space for everyone to enjoy, including the abundant wildlife.  And if the weather is not so good, there’s plenty of undercover space, including an impressive glassed roofed Atrium and Winter Garden.
2. Wildlife & Sustainability – Did we mention the abundant wildlife on site?  Every day there are many different species of birds to spot alongside our resident bees making Lakeside honey.  Lakeside, working in partnership with the Hampshire Wildlife Trust, continues to preserve and build more habitats for the wildlife, including installing bird nesting boxes, insect hotels, beehives and hedgehog houses.
3. Free Shuttle Bus – Occupiers can travel to work for free!  Our buses are available to travel to and from the local Cosham area, and all the way through central Portsmouth.
4. Commuting & Connectivity – There are 3,000 car parking spaces for anyone traveling by car from the adjacent M27 or nearby A3, or by air to Southampton Airport just over 15 miles away.  Lakeside also has a helipad for a flying visit. Or occupiers can choose to commute using the onsite Beryl E-Bikes or Voi Scooters which can be accessed using our super-fast fibre broadband service.
5. The Hub Restaurant – As well has having five cafes and eateries on site, many choose to enjoy the delicious hot meals or go to the healthy salad bar at the onsite Hub restaurant.  The team can provide in-office hospitality and bespoke catering services from bbqs to pizza parties.
6. Coffee Choices – There’s plenty of choice when it comes to your morning coffee, The Hub serves an excellent brew, or occupiers can opt for their favourite Starbucks or Costa combination.
7. Gym & Swimming Pool – It’s so convenient to either pop into the pool or gym on your way to work at Lakeside.  Both facilities are located in The Village Hotel at the entrance to the site.
8. On Site Day Nursery – Many busy working parents really benefit from the convenience of being able to drop off their little ones at the Tops Day Nursery, which is located on site, and offers a discounted rate to all occupiers.
9. Social Events & Networking Opportunities – Lakeside offers regular events for everyone to enjoy, from sports days to summer festivals, live music and link ups with other occupiers in various settings, including popular lunch and learn sessions.
10. Community – We’re better together!  Lakeside is home to a thriving and engaged business community of over fifty five companies, with over three thousand staff working here enjoying all of the amenities.

And this is only the top ten, there’s plenty more on offer at Lakeside.

Click here, if you’d like to visit, book a viewing, or pop in for coffee – Starbucks or Costa your choice!

*Lakeside North Harbour has won title of ‘Workplace of the Year’ in the South Coast Property Awards in 2022 and 2023

Lakeside North Harbour Wins Workplace of the Year…

Portsmouth’s leading workspace, Lakeside North Harbour, has been named Workplace of the Year at the prestigious awards ceremony.

The campus,  scooped the major award in recognition of its property strategy at the South Coast Property Awards 2023.

This is the second year in a row that Lakeside has been honoured at the ceremony after being named Business Park of the Year in 2022. Along with the Workplace of the Year accolade, Portsmouth City Council, which owns Lakeside, was also a finalist in the Commercial Landlord category.

The Workplace of the Year award recognised organisations that have used their property strategy to create quality working styles, increase productivity, innovative working environments and give rise to open, inclusive work cultures, something that has been a huge focus for Lakeside North Harbour and Portsmouth City Council.

Simon Bateman, Asset Manager at Lakeside North Harbour, said:

“We are constantly seeking new opportunities to improve the working environment for all and are thrilled that our team’s hard work has been recognised at the South Coast Property Awards once again.

 “Lakeside continues to be more than just a place where people come and work. It is a collaborative space that is changing the face of what a place of work should look like.

 “We offer an inspiring and relaxing environment that helps provide a unique experience for all, this includes our environmental and sustainability endeavours, providing a 130-acre site that stands out from the crowd and modern facilities for all.”

  Lakeside is home to world-class brands and vibrant SMEs located in superb, flexible grade A office space. Portsmouth City Council acquired the facility in 2019 and strategic real estate advisor Avison Young was appointed managing agent of the park to provide a comprehensive property management service.

The Lakeside campus is known for its rural surroundings, including pockets of rugged woodland and a large lake. It boasts wildlife walks and plenty of outdoor space, while its management delivers a range of occupier-led events designed around interacting with nature – supporting employee wellbeing and productivity.

 Tom Southall, Assistant Director Regeneration – Property & Investment at Portsmouth City Council, said:

“It’s absolutely wonderful to see that Lakeside has received recognition for its market leading workplace environment. The award is testament to the dedication, vision and investment by the team and the Council in continuing to evolve the fantastic work environment and setting the tone for the Solent Region. Lakeside truly is the premier office campus for the region”.

Lakeside will be working with Fair Ways, an award-winning charity that delivers fostering, residential, family, education, and health services

Portsmouth’s leading workspace will now be building on the long-established relationship with the award-winning charity which began when the team moved on to the site in January 2021.

The charity delivers fostering, residential, family, education, and health services in the south of England and Wales. It currently employs upwards of 400 staff who look after around 800 children, young people and families annually.

Fair Ways provide a full range of Children’s services, and as a result, can offer several care pathways to the Children and Young people they look after. This diverse range of expertise throughout the charity, paired with innovative therapeutic care, leads to loving and stable care for children now, and better outcomes for the future.

As charity of the year, Lakeside will support Fair Ways through hosting a number of events including a summer fete, fun runs and a sponsored garden, along with raising the charity’s profile through regular updates to businesses on the campus and other fundraising activity.

Gareth Webb, Managing Director at Fair Ways, said:

“We are very honoured that Lakeside has chosen Fair Ways as their charity partner this year. We look forward to harnessing the power of this great business community to raise awareness of the need for foster carers and more support for care leavers looking to gain employment in the local area.”

Simon Bateman, Asset Manager at Lakeside North Harbour, said:

“Lakeside North Harbour has had an excellent relationship with Fair Ways and this will continue as our charity of the year. We will be supporting the charity with a range of activities and spreading the word about the excellent work that it carries out for children and young people. We look forward to an extremely productive year with Fair Ways and hope to see them continue to grow and flourish over the next year and beyond.”

Find out more about the charity here.

Lakeside will be working with Fair Ways, an award-winning charity that delivers fostering, residential, family, education, and health services

Portsmouth’s leading workspace will now be building on the long-established relationship with the award-winning charity which began when the team moved on to the site in January 2021.

The charity delivers fostering, residential, family, education, and health services in the south of England and Wales. It currently employs upwards of 400 staff who look after around 800 children, young people and families annually.

Fair Ways provide a full range of Children’s services, and as a result, can offer several care pathways to the Children and Young people they look after. This diverse range of expertise throughout the charity, paired with innovative therapeutic care, leads to loving and stable care for children now, and better outcomes for the future.

As charity of the year, Lakeside will support Fair Ways through hosting a number of events including a summer fete, fun runs and a sponsored garden, along with raising the charity’s profile through regular updates to businesses on the campus and other fundraising activity.

Gareth Webb, Managing Director at Fair Ways, said:

“We are very honoured that Lakeside has chosen Fair Ways as their charity partner this year. We look forward to harnessing the power of this great business community to raise awareness of the need for foster carers and more support for care leavers looking to gain employment in the local area.”

Simon Bateman, Asset Manager at Lakeside North Harbour, said:

“Lakeside North Harbour has had an excellent relationship with Fair Ways and this will continue as our charity of the year. We will be supporting the charity with a range of activities and spreading the word about the excellent work that it carries out for children and young people. We look forward to an extremely productive year with Fair Ways and hope to see them continue to grow and flourish over the next year and beyond.”

Find out more about the charity here.

Over 25 trees have now been planted…

As part of The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) founded by the late former Queen, Elizabeth II, continued by his Royal Highness, King Charles III.

The QGC invites people across the country to ‘Plant a Tree’ in a sustainable way that enhances our environment for the next generation.

Building on previous sustainability initiatives on site, a group of occupiers have each sponsored a Pyrus Chanticlear tree. Sustainably sourced from a local supplier in Romsey, these ornamental pear trees produce bee-friendly blush and white flowers from Spring until Summer, also providing pollen for our resident bees in the ten hives located at LNH.

Businesses supporting the initiative also made donations totalling over £500 to The Woodland Trust, the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity.

This marks the second occasion Lakeside has partnered with QGC. In 2022, occupiers planted ten trees in the LNH grounds in commemoration of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee.

Simon Bateman, Asset Manager at Lakeside North Harbour, commented:

“We at Lakeside were deeply saddened by the news of the Queen’s passing in September of last year, yet it is wonderful to see that King Charles is continuing the work of the Queen’s Green Canopy.

“The Lakeside North Harbour team and our occupiers were collectively honoured to further support this work.”

Lakeside’s 130-acre campus is unique for its immediate access to acres of blue and green space and abundance of wildlife and habitats within its grounds.

Bateman added:

“Lakeside North Harbour is in a perfect position to support environmental work, including that of the QGC and The Woodland Trust, and we will continue exploring how we can improve and nurture the biodiversity across our site over the coming years.”

Thank you to the occupiers who supported this initiative:

• BTS
• Eco Drift
• Checkatrade
• Fair Ways
• Go Car Credit
• Handelsbanken
• Kinto
• Lambert Smith Hampton
• Vail Williams

Lakeside will be working with Fair Ways, an award-winning charity that delivers fostering, residential, family, education, and health services

Portsmouth’s leading workspace will now be building on the long-established relationship with the award-winning charity which began when the team moved on to the site in January 2021.

The charity delivers fostering, residential, family, education, and health services in the south of England and Wales. It currently employs upwards of 400 staff who look after around 800 children, young people and families annually.

Fair Ways provide a full range of Children’s services, and as a result, can offer several care pathways to the Children and Young people they look after. This diverse range of expertise throughout the charity, paired with innovative therapeutic care, leads to loving and stable care for children now, and better outcomes for the future.

As charity of the year, Lakeside will support Fair Ways through hosting a number of events including a summer fete, fun runs and a sponsored garden, along with raising the charity’s profile through regular updates to businesses on the campus and other fundraising activity.

Gareth Webb, Managing Director at Fair Ways, said:

“We are very honoured that Lakeside has chosen Fair Ways as their charity partner this year. We look forward to harnessing the power of this great business community to raise awareness of the need for foster carers and more support for care leavers looking to gain employment in the local area.”

Simon Bateman, Asset Manager at Lakeside North Harbour, said:

“Lakeside North Harbour has had an excellent relationship with Fair Ways and this will continue as our charity of the year. We will be supporting the charity with a range of activities and spreading the word about the excellent work that it carries out for children and young people. We look forward to an extremely productive year with Fair Ways and hope to see them continue to grow and flourish over the next year and beyond.”

Find out more about the charity here.