In a move that could bring around 1,000 new jobs to Dartford, ProLogis Developments Ltd has submitted a planning application for 184,000 sq ft of Grade A offices at The Bridge, the £500 million mixed-use development in Dartford. The offices are the first phase of the 710,000 sq ft office park planned for the development and construction work could start in 2007.

A joint venture between ProLogis and Dartford Borough Council, The Bridge is the first major development to start construction work on site in the Thames Gateway. In line with ProLogis’ and the Council’s aim to set high standards for the regeneration of the area, the first phase of the office park at The Bridge will comprise four ‘green’ buildings, each of which has been designed to achieve a minimum BREEAM ‘very good’ rating.

Ranging in size from 19.000 sq ft to 83,000 sq ft, with units available from 8,000 sq ft, the buildings will be three storeys high and most will have views across the site’s two lakes. Each building has been designed to a high standard of sustainability with, for example, low energy systems, water reduction measures and natural daylight regulated by brises soleil and high performance glazing.

However, the buildings have also been designed have a degree of flexibility to meet the individual needs of future occupiers. If a company finds, for example, that it needs a higher degree of cooling, this equipment may be fitted retrospectively. On the other hand, if future occupiers choose to incorporate further ‘green’ measures, such as rainwater harvesting, grey water recycling, green roofs and renewable energy sources, these and similar features can be included as required.

Similarly, ProLogis will be flexible about the external appearance of each building. Although there will be a common architectural theme that will link the business park, occupiers will be able to choose details, such as cladding materials, to ensure that their building reflects their organisation’s individual identity. Set within a landscaped environment, the larger office buildings will have undercroft parking to minimise the impact of cars on the surrounding environment.

Although there will be a good level of car parking at each of the buildings, ProLogis and Dartford Borough Council will also be encouraging ‘green’ travel. To that end, ProLogis is currently constructing a dedicated route for the Fastrack public transport system that will run through the centre of The Bridge, connecting the development to Ebbsfleet International Station as well as to the existing railway stations at Dartford, Greenhithe and Gravesend.

Commenting on the new office development, Paul Weston, First Vice President at ProLogis says:

“The Bridge is attracting a great deal of interest from potential occupiers, so our decision to seek planning permission for the first phase of the office park is an important step forward. We have already pre-let 670,000 sq ft of distribution space to J Sainsbury plc and the lease on the 30,000 sq ft business and innovation centre has been taken by START International. The development is making excellent progress and we are confident that the office park will be very successful.”

Jeremy Kite, Leader of Dartford Borough Council adds: “Construction work started at The Bridge just over a year ago. The project is already creating jobs for local people and we are delighted that our vision of a sustainable community where people can live, work and enjoy their leisure time is turning into reality.”

Jones Lang LaSalle and CBRE are joint agents.