Progress discussed on ambitious regeneration plans
A summary report for local regeneration was discussed at this week’s Full Council meeting ( with Cllr Mark Coxshall highlighting exciting plans for Tilbury and Grays).
He said: “Thurrock’s growth agenda continues to be one of the most ambitious in the country and through its ‘open for business’ approach we’ve already attracted a number of large scale regeneration projects including London Distribution Park at the Port of Tilbury, the continuing investment at DP World London Gateway, Thames Enterprise Park, Purfleet Port and the expansion of Lakeside.”
He picked out some key items including, £10.8m funding awarded from the Local Growth Fund for the Grays South project to fund a new foot crossing under the rail line in the High Street along with the creation of new public squares.
Cllr Coxshall elaborated, that is was no longer “just talk” and said: “We’ve hired a dedicated project manager, we will be tendering for a design team to explore the appearance of the project while working closely with Network Rail’s technical design teams and work has already begun in acquiring the property needed in the immediate area.
“Work is being continued over the next year to see the end of the one-way system around the town centre.”
Recent news about the Tilbury Masterplan being agreed at Cabinet earlier this month was discussed.
Cllr Coxshall said: “We have made significant progress in our long-term plans for Tilbury. This includes new a health service building opening in 2020, which will mean residents of Tilbury not having to track to Orsett or Basildon for hospital services.”
“There are three ‘Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects’ in the local area, and the masterplan harnesses the opportunities those bring to secure better public spaces, improved roads, integrated sustainable transport provisions along with additional residential areas.”
“In 2016/17 the Council’s Development Management team ranked 4th out of 339 local authorities nationally for the speed in determining planning applications. This is a record to be proud of and is crucial in demonstrating that Thurrock is ‘open for business’.”
For more information on regeneration, please visit: thurrock.gov.uk/growth
