The Base - Dartford

Background

Pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline announced in November 2008 that its manufacturing plant in Dartford would be wound down with production transferred to alternative facilities.

Following the closure, Dartford Borough Council prepared a new vision for this part of Dartford, known as the Northern Gateway Area Action Plan (AAP). The sites now form part of this AAP which is regarded as an opportunity to create a gateway into the town centre offering new homes and jobs that will support and strengthen the town’s functions.

Solution

Within the Northern Gateway, which amounts to approximately 90 hectares of land, stood land owned by SEEDA.  As part of a long-standing commitment from SEEDA and the HCA to the economic regeneration and development of Dartford and North West Kent, it was agreed that the site be used to build a business centre to form the first phase of the regeneration of Dartfords Northern Gateway.

The development followed a consultation period and feasibility study where Basepoint were able to support the evaluation and subsequent development through a phased approach from feasibility through to planning, procurement, delivery and ultimately operational management.  This was achieved by working in partnership with SEEDA/HCA to create an iconic location for SME’s and start-up businesses.

The Base is a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ 30,000sqft landmark business centre located on the site of the former Unwins depot in Victoria Road, Dartford.  The Base, which opened in July 2011,  offers high quality managed workspace including offices and studio workshops for up to 85 businesses.

Results

Since opening in July 2011 demand for the centre has significantly out-performed plan, bringing with it significant additional operational income to the HCA along with the benefits to the wider economy of additional employment creation. 

The centre has supported and accommodated 86 local startup/ SME businesses with high levels of occupancy from year 2.  This has created 422 new jobs within the Dartford area attributing to the local economy.

 

Testimonial

"Basepoint have managed the development phase through to operation of this landmark business incubation project which opened in July 2011. Not only was the centre delivered on budget and on time but with the highest BREEAM standards.  With excellent service and dedication to the centre, Basepoint have continuously outperformed all its targets in terms of occupancy and have created an vibrant base for business start-ups and SMEs in the Thames Gateway."

Nick Young
Senior Development Executive
Thames Gateway
Homes and Communities Agency


Case Study 1 - The Base - Dartford Gallery