A regional forum for collaboration, insight and delivery
Hampshire Development Forum gives its members a place in the conversation about the future of growth and development across Hampshire and the Solent.
The Forum was established in 2025 to broaden collaboration between local authorities and the development community and help both sectors work towards shared aims.
Hampshire and the Solent are entering a period of significant change. Local government reorganisation, devolution, a new Strategic Authority, changes to the planning system and growing infrastructure pressures will reshape how development is planned and delivered.
We help organisations understand that change and turn complex issues into constructive dialogue, practical insight and stronger working relationships.
Creating a space for meaningful conversation
The Forum’s work encompasses housing, strategic land, town-centre regeneration, commercial development, transport, utilities, water, digital connectivity, environmental constraints and the infrastructure required to support sustainable growth.
As the Forum develops, we will continue to amplify members’ voices, contribute to regional and national discussions and make the case for the investment and collaboration Hampshire and the Solent need.
Why Hampshire Development Forum matters now
Hampshire and the Solent has major economic, environmental and strategic importance. The region includes internationally significant ports, an airport, major freight and ferry connections, two National Parks, protected coastal habitats and some of the South East’s most important road and rail corridors.
These strengths also create complex challenges. Development must respond to water and utility capacity, transport constraints, environmental protections, housing need, affordability, climate change and the regeneration of towns and cities.
At the same time, Hampshire and the Solent is in the midst of a transition to redrawn and completely new local government structures. By May 2028, Hampshire and the Solent will be led by a newly-elected Mayor and will have gone from 16 planning authorities and four highway and education authorities to just five councils which deliver almost all local services.
The Forum provides a trusted environment in which those challenges can be discussed early and constructively.
Our Local authorities members
Powered by Cratus
Hampshire Development Forum is administered by Cratus Group, a leading communications consultancy with extensive experience of local government, planning, development and strategic engagement in Hampshire and across the UK.
Cratus also facilitates a network of development forums across the country, creating spaces where the public and private sectors can come together to share insight, strengthen relationships and engage constructively on the future growth of their areas.
Explore our other forums
Media Partner: UK Property Forums
UK Property Forums (UKPF) is a professional news platform focusing on the property, construction, and design sectors in the UK, particularly in the Thames Valley, East of England, and West London. They provide daily news, industry reports, events, and a digital journal for over 7,000 subscribers.