The West Midlands region’s drive to develop a low carbon economy received a key boost when Gazeley started construction work at the £50 million G Park Blue Planet logistics park at Chatterley Valley in North Staffordshire.

G Park Blue Planet, one of the world’s greenest logistics projects, is a joint development between Gazeley, a global provider of sustainable logistics space, regional development agency Advantage West Midlands and Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council.

Located on a former colliery site, it will house the UK’s first “carbon positive” logistics development, with its own bio-fuel micro power station, fuelled by rapeseed oil and other organic materials. The power station will not only produce sufficient power and heat for the on-site buildings but will also provide enough energy to power up to 650 local homes.

Nick Cook, Development Director at Gazeley, said, “This is the first project in the UK where a land owner has selected a developer due to its commitment to sustainability, which highlights the forward thinking approach by Advantage West Midlands and Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council.

“Despite only being confirmed as developer on the project in October last year, within seven months we are on site with completion of the first phase of Chatterley Valley scheduled by the end of 2008.

“This demonstrates our capability in delivering major developments quickly and effectively whilst maintaining high standards for our customers.”

Stuart Kirkwood, Director of Development at Advantage West Midlands, said: “It’s exciting to see work start at G Park Blue Planet, one of the most exciting developments we have in the West Midlands region.

“Our partnership with Gazeley will ensure a project that not only satisfies the need to create local jobs but also incorporates leading-edge environmental and sustainable technologies.

“This is a tangible example of moving the climate change debate into climate change action, and showcases the West Midlands as a region which is embracing the opportunities of the new low carbon era.”

The overall Chatterley Valley park totals 70 hectares of land that will be transformed over the next decade, creating a total of around 4,000 jobs.

Other sustainability credentials at G Park Blue Planet will include:

• Thermally efficient buildings with air tightness and thermal insulation 25 per cent better than current building regulations

• Efficient systems for further building energy reduction, utilising cutting-edge lighting, maximum use of natural light, under floor heating and a solar panel wall

• The latest solar cell technology implanted into special rooflights which eliminate night time light pollution

• Kinetic plates which capture energy every time a vehicle enters or leaves the site

Simon Smith, Community Partnership and Projects Manager, Newcastle-Under-Lyme Borough Council, said: “This scheme is great news for North Staffordshire. Not only is the project set to boost local employment, but it will help to highlight North Staffordshire’s commitment to fighting climate change and investing in a sustainable future for its residents.”

The overall Chatterley Valley park scheme is a joint venture between Advantage West Midlands and the North Staffordshire Regeneration Partnership, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire County Council.