Housebuilder Bargate has started work on a 61-home development at Southleigh Park, a former stately home and parkland in Havant, Hampshire.
The 7.8-acre site, north-west of Emsworth and bordered by Bartons Road, Horndean Road and Eastleigh Road, will see 20 homes delivered through the conversion of the Grade II-listed house and associated listed buildings, alongside 41 new-build homes constructed within the grounds.
The £26m scheme is a joint venture between Bargate and its parent company VIVID, one of the largest housing associations in the south of England. Planning permission for both phases was granted by Havant Borough Council. The new-build phase has been designed to reflect the historic setting and will help fund the restoration and conversion of the listed buildings.
The development is scheduled for completion in December 2028. Bargate has appointed Farnham-based heritage specialist FSL-Group to deliver the first phase, with an estimated 21,000 working days required across the restoration, conversion and build programme.
The majority of existing trees on site will be retained, alongside new planting, with much of the site to comprise publicly accessible open space, including a formal lawn area in front of Southleigh Park House and informal walking routes beneath retained mature trees along the site’s boundaries.
Mick Hanson, construction director at Bargate, said: “We are excited to be on site at Southleigh Park, making a very positive start to the sensitive restoration and conversion of the former stately home. This unique development will preserve and inject new life into a much-loved local landmark, while also opening up the spectacular grounds for the enjoyment of all.
“In addition to enhancing the historical core of the site, a key part of the project will be the retention of mature trees, extensive planting and landscaping, and ensuring the fine detail of the new homes is sympathetic with the heritage buildings.
“This project will be an important labour of love for the area, utilising locally-based highly skilled tradesmen. We are proud to be at the start of the construction journey to create an outstanding development, not only for the new residents, but also for the established local community.”
The homes will range from one- to four-bedrooms, all with electric vehicle charging points as standard. Vehicular access will be provided off Eastleigh Road, with pedestrian and cycle paths added within the grounds and routes connecting to Horndean Road and Eastleigh Road.
The development will feature three character areas comprising Georgian villas and cottage-style homes alongside the historic core. Parking will include driveways, on-plot garages, car barns, on-street bays and parking courts.
Southleigh Park is close to Rowlands Castle, Emsworth and the South Downs National Park. Emsworth railway station provides connections to Brighton and Southampton, while Havant station serves the line between London Waterloo and Portsmouth Harbour. Road access to London is via the A3, with the A27 connecting to Brighton, Southampton and the M3.
Established in 2006 and headquartered in Fair Oak, Bargate is a regional housebuilder operating across the South. It retained its five-star rating in the 2026 Home Builders Federation Customer Satisfaction Survey, having delivered 230 homes in the 2025/26 financial year. The company has live planning applications with a combined gross development value of around £460m, and is currently delivering its 100th development.
Main image: Mick Hanson, construction director at Bargate, with Chris Howard, operations director for FSL-Group
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