Thurrock Council boss believes meeting with theme park bosses is paramount

THE Leader of Thurrock Council, Cllr Rob Gledhill is thinking ahead about how Thurrock can support and access the proposed Paramount Theme Park due to be built in Kent.

Although original discussions took place some time ago – when the new park was first proposed – the Leader is keen to again meet with developers and councils from the other side of the Thames to look at the detail.

Speaking on Tuesday 14 March, Cllr Gledhill said: “While their full application is yet to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate, I am keen to ensure Thurrock takes advantage of all the opportunities the new attraction may bring to the whole region.

“There has been no better time to continue the discussion now Thurrock’s ambitious Grays Masterplan has been kickstarted with the recent announcement of £10.8million Government funding through the Local Growth Fund.

“We cannot continue to just look inward for opportunities and we are making our own preparations for potential integration – as part of the Grays Masterplan includes a proposed pier to accommodate river bus services – including across to the new Paramount Park.

“Whilst these are currently all just ambitions, I’m pleased the early Paramount proposals recognize the opportunities of services like this from Tilbury and Grays.

“We will do all we can to integrate ideas to ensure Thurrock residents benefit from access to jobs, supply chain and amenities. The last thing I want is Thurrock to be ‘the place you pass through to get to Paramount’. But of course, we have no decision making power on this application, so early discussions are paramount for Paramount and will be speaking to Kent colleagues and the applicant as soon as possible.”