IBM North Harbour
| Company type | Headquarters |
|---|---|
| Industry | Information technology |
| Founded | 1976 |
| Defunct | October 2024 |
| Fate | Vacated and integrated into Lakeside North Harbour business complex |
| Headquarters | North Harbour, Hampshire , United Kingdom |
Area served | United Kingdom |
| Owner | IBM |
IBM North Harbour functioned as the main UK headquarters for IBM before becoming part of the expansive Lakeside North Harbour business complex; IBM completely vacated this location in October 2024, shifting its headquarters to IBM Hursley.
History
The primary building was sold by IBM in 2005, with two further buildings following in November 2015. By October 2024, IBM had fully withdrawn from the North Harbour premises.
Construction
Chosen in 1969, the site underwent drainage works in 1971 carried out by Grontmij N.V., a firm based in the Netherlands. In 1972, a lake was created alongside the embankment of the M27 motorway. The foundation involved piles driven 30 meters deep in 1973, supporting a structure built from pre-cast concrete components.
Design and structural engineering were provided by Arup Associates, while Taylor Woodrow Construction managed the build at a cost of £17.2 million.
Opening
The facility officially opened on 3 December 1976, with Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh presiding over the ceremony. Additionally, IBM operated a manufacturing facility covering ten acres at nearby Interchange Park, which commenced operations in 1967.
Visits
- On 10 April 1992, Prince Philip attended a dinner hosted by the National Playing Fields Association at this location.
Structure
Access to the site is available via the A27, positioned at the endpoint of the M27 motorway near junction 12. The Cosham railway station is conveniently located within walking distance to the east.
In 2012, a Porsche dealership was established close to the site. That same year, three acres adjacent to the Porsche centre were sold for the development of a hotel featuring 124 rooms.
Tenants
IBM UK
During the early 1990s, IBM's UK workforce numbered approximately 14,000 employees. Notable leaders serving as chief executives of IBM UK have included:
- Sir Tony Cleaver (1986)
- Nick Temple (1992)
- Khalil Barsoum (Canadian) (1997)
- Kevin Loosemore (2000)
- Larry Hirst (June 2001)
- Brendon Riley (Australian) (April 2008)
- Stephen Leonard (January 2010)
- David Stokes (Australian) (2012)
- Bill Kelleher (May 2017)
- Nicola Hodson (born 17 December 1966) (January 2023)
Popular culture
- The location was featured in the production of Revelation of the Daleks, filmed on 9 January 1985
See also
- Business in Hampshire
- Mountbatten House, a listed building situated in north Hampshire and former headquarters of Wiggins Teape, which IBM acquired in 1987