Competition launched to find private developer for major Thames Gateway scheme

A competition was launched yesterday to find a private-sector partner to regenerate 48ha of contaminated and derelict brownfield land at Thurrock in the Thames Gateway.

The planned redevelopment of the portside Essex town will be undertaken as a joint venture with Thurrock Development Corporation.

The scheme will provide new homes for existing residents and 5,000 additional people, as well as a new school and health centre.

It also includes a new employment area, an improved train station and transport links and better access to the riverfront.

Thurrock Development Corporation is to invite expressions of interest in becoming a development partner, before inviting formal tenders at the end of the year.

Communities secretary John Denham, speaking at this year's Thames Gateway Forum, said: “Each year government invests £3bn in the Gateway in transport, schools, skills, businesses, health and more, an investment that is unmatched elsewhere.

“Our commitment to the Gateway is unwavering as we know it will play a crucial role within the UK economy driving growth across the South-east and beyond.”