THAMES Enterprise Park Ltd has submitted a planning application to Thurrock Council to transform the former Coryton Oil Refinery into a new superhub, creating up to 4,500 jobs including skilled, engineering and apprenticeship opportunities.
The plans for Thames Enterprise Park are to turn an industrial site into a destination that can be enjoyed both by employees working on site and by visitors. It will provide an attractive landscaped environment with dedicated footpaths and cycleways around the site, commercial units located along a central boulevard and a landscaped corridor along the length of the Shellhaven Creek enhanced with native species. One of the old refinery chimneys is to be re-used as an illuminated beacon for the development.
Thames Enterprise Park is being progressed as a joint venture between Greenergy and iSec. The two companies bring complementary experience to this project, iSec having a track record in delivering large-scale, complex industrial property developments and Greenergy providing expertise in advanced biofuels as well as connectivity through Thames Oilport for fuel distribution.
The planning application proposes to create zones for different types of businesses:
A Food Hub bringing processing, packaging, storage and distribution. A range of innovative -warehouses is proposed with high levels of automation.
An Energy Hub, leading the way in the production of advanced forms of biofuel and renewable energy, the Energy Hub will provide modern space for innovative companies within the energy sector.
A Sustainable Industries Hub, a focal point for small and medium sized businesses to research and develop new technologies and techniques for the energy and food logistics industries.
Centrally located within the development, there is also to be an Amenity Hub. This will be a high-tech environment connecting business, community, education and research to ensure Thames Enterprise Park and Thurrock is at the cutting edge for decades to come. It would include cafes, a gym, a crèche and a mobility concierge service.
Prior to submitting the planning application, the plans have been subject to an extensive review and consultation process with the Local Authority, statutory consultees, CABE and the general public, including public consultation events held last year. The consultation provided the project team with important feedback on a range of issues including transport, environment, ecology, local employment, scheme design and air quality, all of which have all been fully considered and addressed during the pre-application consultation phase.
Chris Brookhouse, Chief Executive of Thames Enterprise Park Ltd, said:
“The submission of the planning application marks an important milestone in the evolution of this exciting project.”
“We will continue to work closely with the Council, local businesses and community stakeholders including schools and colleges to ensure that local people are best placed to take advantage of the wide variety of employment opportunities the development will bring.”
To provide feedback members of the public can contact Alun Hayes who is handling community engagement on the project.
E-mail: consultation@thames-enterprise-park-consultation.co.uk
