DETAILED plans for how Purfleet will transform over the coming years have been set out by the developer, in what has been described as the “model approach” to project planning and community engagement.
Earlier this month (13 September), Thurrock councillors heard the ambitious plans to redevelop the town with new commercial and leisure areas at its centre, new schools, TV film studios and developing the riverfront as a place for people to visit and enjoy.
Members of the Planning, Transport and Regeneration Overview and Scrutiny committee heard the extensive ways the team at Purfleet Centre Regeneration Limited (PCRL) have consulted with local people and fully involved them throughout the process.
A community Design Panel, whose head, John Rowles, is also the chair of the Purfleet Community Forum, has been established and acts as a sounding board for ideas. Two rounds of workshops discussing proposals for what the scheme should provide were held with specific groups in the community and a third round is programmed for late October / early November.
A website – ourpurfleet.com – was also established for people to submit their ideas for the master plan and has had over 13,000 hits. Over 120 inspiration pictures were submitted by residents to the project team.
Speaking after the meeting, chair of the committee, Cllr Oliver Gerrish, said: “The levels of ambition and community engagement throughout this phase are astounding. This is the model approach for how a large-scale project should be delivered, not just in Thurrock but across the country.
“The committee will be keeping a watchful eye on progress and will continue to feedback on behalf of residents the priorities which need continual consideration – including road access to the new schools and parking.
“There are so many pieces of good news in this project, from the new schools to the plans for a vibrant riverfront, and we look forward to seeing this project benefit local residents and Thurrock as a whole.”
After presenting to the committee, Ken Dytor, Founding Director of PCRL and Executive Chairman of Urban Catalyst, said: “From the very beginning we have made it our aim to set a new standard for community engagement in regeneration. We wanted to make sure that local residents were not only consulted, but invited to actively create the vision of what their new community will look like.
“There is still much work to be done, but I am confident we have created the foundations for one of the UK’s most exciting urban transformational developments which will set new standards for place making and perfectly suited to the needs of the people who live and work in Purfleet.”
To stay up to date with information about the plans in Purfleet visit: thurrock.gov.uk/purfleet-growth
