The decision to take the space follows NATS' decision in early 2002 to consolidate its operations at Holborn, central London; West Drayton and Basingstoke into a single headquarters site. The new site at Solent is within ten miles of NATS' new control centre at Swanwick. To ease the move, Arlington is also providing 23,000 sf of fully serviced temporary office accommodation from April 2003, allowing the phased relocation into the new headquarters at Solent.

The first phase of the development, designed by Aukett Europe, will consist of three interlinked buildings of 49,000; 43,000 and 36,000 sf. Completion to shell and core is expected in November this year. In addition, NATS has entered into a three year option for a further 70,000 sf in two adjoining inter linked buildings.

Jonathan Edwards Consulting acted for National Air Traffic Services while Strutt & Parker acted jointly with Vail Williams on behalf of Arlington Securities.

Ed Smith of Strutt & Parker's National Office Agency said: "As the South East's largest letting for over a year, this is a considerable achievement in what has been the regions' most difficult letting market for ten years and demonstrates that quality developments in strong regional centres can continue to buck the market."