The Southampton office of King Sturge is celebrating three major transactions completed over the summer all of which have significant implications for the future success of the south coast region.

As previously reported by business South, the waterfront at East Cowes on the Isle of Wight is set to be transformed following the sale of the historic 19-acre GKN site to the South East of England Regional Development Agency.

The partner-in-charge at King Sturge, Michael Green, said: "This is a major waterfront development opportunity and we are very pleased to have sold the site on behalf of GKN to SEEDA.

"After years of relative inactivity in East Cowes a real opportunity now exists to push forward with a major mixed-use scheme as part of the emerging Cowes Waterfront project. The scheme will act as a catalyst for further significant development on both sides of the River Medina as far up as Newport".

In Southampton, King Sturge has acquired a 48-acre site to the north of Southampton International Airport for future growth and employment generation. The site, formally owned by Gazeley, provides strategic expansion land for the airport which is currently experiencing growth in excess of 70 per cent following the highly successful launch of Flybe's European routes in the spring.

Michael said: "This is a fantastic opportunity both for the airport and Southampton.

"It will provide a key site for future airport expansion and the possibility of further employment creation on an adjoining business park. Following our initial involvement in the acquisition we continue to advise the owners on future development proposals for the site".

Further to the east in Fareham, The Mortgage Lender has acquired a new 4,460m (48,000ft) office headquarters from the Prudential on Solent Business Park. According to Michael, who acted for the Mortgage Lender, this is another local success story demonstrating the buoyancy of the local commercial property sector. He said: "Forum Three is a fantastic building. We are not at all surprised that The Mortgage Lender chose Solent Business Park for their relocation as it is in a stunning property in an excellent location which fulfils their aspirations for their rapidly expanding business."