The scheme is being delivered by Purfleet Centre Regeneration Limited (PCRL), a joint venture between Urban Catalyst and Swan Housing Association in association with Thurrock Council.
Sir Tim Laurence, who is the Chair of PCRL, visited the site along with John Rowles Chairman of Purfleet-on-Thames Community Forum and Ali Pretty, Founder and Artistic Director of Kinetika to view the progress that has been made on Phase 1A of the project.
The initial phase will create 61 new spacious two, three and four bedroom homes close to the railway station. Over 50% of the homes will be available to purchase under the Government’s Shared Ownership and Help to Buy schemes, helping to address local housing need.
The initial 2.36 hectare phase also includes a new children’s play area and an orchard walk which will reinstate public access to Hollow Woods creating a gateway to the wider masterplan.
As well as 2,850 new, high-quality homes, the scheme will create a vibrant town centre with shops, community amenities including a new health centre, improved railway and transport facilities.
PCRL’s plans also include a state-of-the-art media village and entertainment studios, with the vison for Purfleet-on-Thames, which is already home to the High House Production Park, to become an international creative hub within the Thames Gateway.
Sir Tim Laurence, Chair of PCRL, said:
“I am delighted to see how much progress has been made on phase 1 of this outstanding project at Purfleet-on-Thames after Keltbray’s excellent work on the ground infrastructure last year. As well as contributing to the Government’s target of building 300,000 new homes every year, it will also create about 1,250 temporary annual construction jobs and more than 1,750 additional long-term jobs across a range of sectors. The new homes will generate estimated annual expenditure of more than £17m locally and £26m across Essex. It’s good to see the local community so closely involved in the project’s design and keeping an eye on the delivery.”
Ali Pretty, Founder and Artistic Director of Kinetika, commented:
“I am hugely supportive of PCRL’s focus on developing the creative community that already exists in Purfleet-on-Thames. As the director of Kinetika I have experienced first-hand the value that the arts can bring to a community; they unite people from all walks of life. Not to mention the jobs and businesses opportunities that will be created.”
John Rowles, Chair of Purfleet Community Forum, said:
“We have spent time and effort in getting where we are now, and it is great to see the start of the regeneration and the first homes taking shape. We have a long way to go, however, we as a community have a chance to help make this vision happen, to make Purfleet-on-Thames the place we want it to be.”
To find out more, visit ourpurfleet.com
