A tech start-up centre built as part of a landmark regeneration scheme could be turned into housing if further investment is not secured.

Dartford council has been working with private partners Prologis since the turn of the century to develop a 264-acre brownfield site near the Crossing into a multi-purpose community known as The Bridge.

As of today it covers 1.8million square feet of commercial space, along with hotels, restaurants, 1,500 homes, schools and more than 80 acres of public open space.

The Bridge was the first major regeneration project to start in the Thames Gateway and attracted an opening visit from Prime Minister Boris Johnson in 2008, then a London Mayor hopeful.

It was envisioned as a vibrant, environmentally-friendly community for families to live, work and thrive.

But now the council's partnership with Prologis is drawing to a close and it is looking to safeguard some of the site's key assets.

Among them is The Nucleus Business and Innovation Centre in Brunel Way, a joint venture between both partners, which provides office space to start-ups in the science and tech sectors.

Use of centre as a business hub remains the preferred option for the site, the council says.

The local authority says it is looking with Prologis at a number of options to secure future investment to further develop the scheme and offer additional specialist business support services.

However, in the event funds are not forthcoming it has not ruled out its possible redevelopment.

A planning application has been submitted on behalf of Prologis for a proposed change of use from office spaces to residential.

It is proposing to provide 29 apartments across the three floors of the building, of which 21 would be two-bedrooms and the others ranging between one to four.

Details are also provided for 79 car parking spaces and at least 34 cycling spaces.

Paul Weston, senior vice president at Prologis, said: “For over twenty years we have enjoyed a really successful partnership with Dartford Borough Council, and we’re really proud of our work at The Bridge which is now a thriving community and a great place to live.

“As our partnership with the council is now coming to a natural end, we want to safeguard The Nucleus but must also ensure there is planning flexibility for changes at the site if required and the application to the council reflects this need.”

Jeremy Kite, leader of Dartford council, said: “We have told our partners that we would like to welcome more entrepreneurs to benefit from the facilities at The Nucleus, but at the same time, as a responsible Council, we have to respect the advice they’re giving us which is why the application is going forward which allows for repurposing on the site in the future if necessary.

“I thank Prologis for their commitment to Dartford and all they have done make The Bridge a huge success.”

To view the full planning application click here.

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