A "green" office complex is to be developed on Lower Park Drive, about 2km from the Johannesburg Zoo.

Amdec Property Development, which is developing the Lakeside offices, say the R70m 4000m2 complex is the first phase of a development that will include a second residential phase valued at about R220m.

Nicholas Stopforth, regional director of Amdec, says development of the first phase will begin in the early part of next year.

"We are trying to incorporate as many green elements as possible within the confines of commercial reality.

"The 'green' aspects of the development will, among other things, focus on making the air conditioning, electricity and rainwater elements of the development environmentally friendly," says Stopforth.

"I think we are all faced with the reality that we all need to make a contribution to reducing carbon emissions. Via green buildings, one can reduce the carbon footprint of the building," he says.

There has been a lot of interest in the new development from prospective tenants, he says. "The green element is also attracting interest."

He says the office component is aimed at occupiers seeking space of 350m2 and upwards.

The second residential phase of the development is not yet fully designed.

Business Day