GRAYS is set to benefit from a fast-tracked cash injection of £750,000 that will see the delivery of a new fitness zone and accessible play area in Grays Beach park, as part of the government’s £3.6billion Towns Fund.
Multiple projects have also been identified by Grays Town Board to share in the accelerated funding, including improvements to the bus terminal, a new wayfinding system and Towns Fund Hub to enable local residents to directly engage in the process of securing further funding next year.
Plans will also see new play equipment for Grays Beach and enable works to commence to ensure the play area is accessible to children with disabilities including wheelchair users. A new outdoor sports, health and fitness area will also be installed, making it easier for adults and young residents to be more active.
Chair of Grays Towns Board and Director of Development at NewRiver REIT, Justin Thomas, said: “This funding has enabled the board to immediately kick start the delivery of many projects, helping us to fast track delivery and at the same time, to work with the community to design a local investment plan for Grays.
“These plans will not only improve the appearance and quality of the open space in Grays, but will also provide a destination that meets the needs of the entire local community and is only the start of significant investment.”
Cllr Mark Coxshall, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Strategic Planning, said: “Grays is an important town centre with a key role in the borough’s economy and it is great that the government continues to recognise the tremendous opportunities for investment and regeneration in Thurrock.
“This is a massive opportunity, with more funding in the pipeline next year and we would love to hear from residents and businesses in Grays to ensure that any emerging proposals are of maximum benefit to the borough. If you have any ideas of how we could invest this money to best benefit the local community, please get in touch.”
Residents can submit ideas via the government’s #MyTown website mytown.communities.gov.uk or email GraysTownsFund@thurrock.gov.uk
