Purfleet
Laying the foundations: We started
by drawing up a master plan to make sure we had a clear and
achievable vision for Purfleet.
Purfleet Centre: Purfleet
Centre is a major project for Thurrock, providing a new heart for
Purfleet arranged around a public square with cafes and shops. The
scheme provides improved public transport facilities and will
re-connect Purfleet to the River Thames waterfront. We envisage a
place where people can live, work and enjoy a vibrant mix of shops,
cafes, leisure and community facilities, including a new school and
health centre.
The proposed scheme could
see up to an estimated £750 million invested through a public
private partnership, creating approximately 3,500 new homes and
1,141 new jobs.
We have started the
process of identifying a suitable partner to jointly deliver the
project. The Corporation’s Purfleet Centre Development Framework
provides further details on our plans and can be viewed on our
publications page.
Assembling the land: We have
already assembled much of the land needed for this major programme,
moving some industrial users to new sites to create meaningful and
joined-up spaces.
Working with the Royal Opera House:
At the same time, we have moved ahead with the High House
Production Park. Having brought this global brand to Thurrock, we
are project managing this major development. We hired a contractor
in 2009 and work has started on site, beginning to transform this
historic but disused corner of Purfleet into a creative industry
park, where business and leisure projects will bring new life to
the town.
Helping the Royal Society for the
Protection of Birds (RSPB) (new window): We have also
played an important part working alongside the RSPB, in the
development of the Rainham Marshes nature reserve, facilitating
their plans, providing funding for an adventure playground and for
a wind turbine to make the site carbon neutral.