Housing and planning minister Keith Hill has worried Thames Gateway regeneration groups by insisting it is feasible without the Crossrail transport scheme.
At the launch of the £62.8m Thurrock Urban Development Corporation on Wednesday, Hill stated: "I've never seen Crossrail as integral to the Thames Gateway. [It] would be a success without it."

Major players in the regeneration project disagree, including the Thames Gateway London Partnership and the Greater London Authority. Stephen Joseph, deputy chief executive of the TGLP, said: "Crossrail is essential. Of course you can have growth without it but it will not be quality, sustainable growth."

The £10bn rail network would connect east and west London, but may be vetoed by the Treasury because the private sector has failed to commit enough funds.

However, Hill denied the threat to Crossrail. He said he was "committed to engaging with all of the parties to make a serious assessment for its prospects".

Thurrock UDC is to regenerate the Gateway's south Essex area. Hill hinted that it could last longer than its planned seven years if necessary. still had work to do. He said: "We will embrace the possibility of extending the UDC if need be."

Source

Housing Today