Investment
From 1 April 2024, the responsibility for LEP functions across the Enterprise M3 LEP region has transferred to Hampshire County Council and Surrey County Council.
The Enterprise M3 Board met for the last time in March 2024 and Enterprise M3 LEP is no longer operating as an organisation.
For any enquiries relating to economic development across the counties of Hampshire and Surrey, please visit the Hampshire County Council website and Business Surrey respectively.
Please note that Enterprise M3 LEP staff have transferred to Hampshire County Council to continue to deliver services and activities in Hampshire, including the Growth Hub, the Careers Hub, work on key business sectors, and trade and investment.
They can be contacted at economic.development@hants.gov.uk.
Project description
The Gateway to the National Parks project at Lepe Country Park will make a strong contribution to the vision for the Enterprise M3 areas as “the premier location in the country for enterprise and economic growth, balanced with an excellent environment and quality of life”. The Enterprise M3 area is unique in that it has two National Parks in its area, and Lepe Country Park is ideally positioned as a gateway to the New Forest National Park. The project will help Lepe Country Park to become self-financing and will include the delivery of a digital strategy for the park. The project will include a new flagship visitor centre overlooking the Solent and will include a café, retail opportunities as well as staff and partner office facilities. There will also be improvements to the car park and walking trails throughout the park. As a gateway the improvements to the park will also generate greater income and interest for the local visitor and rural economy.
Project output
- 19 new/secured jobs
- 75 indirect jobs
- 350 sqm of new commercial space
Key Outputs
Start date:
End date:
Amount financed: £0.88 million
Total cost: £2.7 million
Status: Completed
Themes: Places
Geo-location:
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