Construction work has begun on a new headquarters for privately-owned transport company Europa Worldwide Logistics.

The firm is set to move its 230 staff from its base in Erith to the new 262,500 sq ft building at Prologis Park Littlebrook in Dartford.

Its new home will support its road freight operations and is due to open in the spring next year.

Dartford MP Gareth Johnson helped put the first spade in the ground at the new headquarters, which sits just to the north of the Bridge regeneration project.

He said: “This new facility is a major investment in the town and it has the potential to bring new jobs for local people.

“It is very good news that Prologis has been able to meet Europa’s requirements at Littlebrook and I am certain that the company will become a valued member of the local community.”

Europa managing director Andrew Baxter said: “This event marks a significant milestone for the team here at Europa.

“As well as a new HQ and a new southern hub the new Littlebrook site will increase our capacity to handle contract logistics, an area of the business that has grown considerably in recent years.

“We have worked closely with Prologis to design a state-of-the-art facility that will increase our capacity massively and help us to provide the best possible service to our customers for years to come.”