Osprey Quay forms the gateway to the Isle of Portland at the Northern end of the island. The site has been named 'Osprey Quay' reflecting its strong naval background as well as the geographical and natural features of the site. 
 
Irregular in shape, the site covers about 33 hectares and is generally flat and open. Until its closure in 1999, the Royal Naval Air Station at Portland was a major centre for naval helicopter operations. The estimated loss of employment directly attributed to the closure was 600 jobs and there were subsequent indirect employment losses in the local area. 
 
The site was acquired from the Crown Estate and the Ministry of Defence in the early part of 2000 by the South West of England Regional Development Agency. The South West RDA has now embarked on the remediation and development of the site to benefit the residents and businesses of the Isle of Portland and neighbouring areas.