Press Release

9 September 2024

Work begins on world class search and rescue training facility at Daedalus

Work has begun on a world class, dedicated search and rescue (SAR) training facility for Bristow Helicopters at Faraday Business Park at Daedalus.

Expected to open in autumn 2025, Bristow’s exciting new SAR centre is the latest part of the unique innovation and skills offering on the Enterprise Zone site. It will enable the organisation to deliver consistency and excellence in training for SAR crews from overseas and here in the UK.

The new centre will be an exciting addition at Daedalus and will feature:

A Simulation Hall with training pool and helicopter rescue hoist.
Teaching classrooms
Brief/debrief rooms
Medical training areas
Breakout facilities
Ancillary spaces to support the above

Cllr Simon Martin, Leader of Fareham Borough Council, met with Neil Ebberson, Director of Government Services for Bristow and Simon French, Managing Director of Mildren Construction to witness the start of this significant project.

Cllr Martin said:

“It is really exciting to see a project of this nature being delivered here at Daedalus, and I am very much looking forward to seeing the development progress.

“Daedalus is already an important site for Fareham and growing in terms of economic development, but this exciting new facility will make it equally important for the many crews that receive their training here.”

Neil Ebberson, Director of Government Services for Bristow added:

“Faraday Business Park at Daedalus is the ideal location for this facility which will offer a new level of search and rescue training for teams in the UK and across the world.

“It represents a major step forward for our growing Government Services operations as well as the new SAR contracts in support of the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Irish Coast Guard, which get underway this year.”

More information on the Enterprise Zone can be found at www.sezdaedalus.co.uk.

ENDS