Partnership launches campaign to unlock growth in Thurrock

A leading group of residential property developers, the Thurrock Residential Developer Partnership (TRDP), has launched a campaign to unlock economic growth in Thurrock by accelerating the delivery of new homes and supporting infrastructure in Thurrock.

Thurrock is one of the most exciting and significant growth opportunities in the country. The Partnership estimates that there is potential for 35,000 jobs to be created in the borough by 2040 and growth in the value of the Thurrock economy by almost £2billion.

But job growth is currently outpacing the construction of homes, which is putting the borough’s economic potential at risk. To support the borough’s growing economy and avoid further traffic congestion from workers needing to travel into Thurrock to work, there is a need to increase the construction of new homes. This will facilitate the funding and delivery of new infrastructure, such as schools, health facilities, sports and recreation facilities, publicly accessible open space, better town centres, and highways, public transport, and utilities.

The partnership estimates that the additional housing need in Thurrock is circa 25,000 homes over the next 10 years. Collectively they have land capacity to more than meet this need.

The potential construction of a range of new low carbon communities in Thurrock could unlock investment in the region of £250 million in infrastructure across the borough. This could facilitate:

• More than 1,300 primary and secondary school places

• The equivalent of 24 GPs

• More than £32 million investment in green infrastructure

• 2,700 direct and more than 800 indirect construction jobs

The TRDP is working with Thurrock Council and other local stakeholders to work with them to forward the growth agenda and ensure the borough has the long-term infrastructure it needs to retain the benefits of growth locally. This is a critical opportunity to ensure that the borough can realise its full economic potential and provide a high quality of life for its residents.

Andy Millard, Chair of TRDP, said:

“Thurrock has a bright future. Its economy is growing rapidly, and by working together, the public and private sectors can plan for the social and physical infrastructure that will ensure the long-term benefits of economic growth are enjoyed by everyone who lives and works in Thurrock.

“We know that some residents may have concerns about the impact of new housing on existing infrastructure. But, with effective planning, it will deliver investment in far-reaching new infrastructure that benefits everyone, and new local carbon communities for Thurrock's next generation.

"We have been talking to partners in education, healthcare, and business to understand the challenges and build the case for unlocking growth.

“By working together, we can create a thriving future for Thurrock.”

The partnership has met with several organisations across the borough, including Thurrock Council, and stakeholders in the education, health, transport, and business sectors, to understand Thurrock's needs and gain support to build better, faster.

Leader of Thurrock Council, Cllr Andrew Jefferies, said:

"Thames Freeport is set to generate more than 21,000 jobs and training opportunities in Thurrock. I am determined to ensure that the people who already live and work in Thurrock benefit from those new opportunities and a shortage of housing stock in the borough only decreases access to those jobs and will limit income opportunities for residents.

“Building more homes is important, but it is not enough. We also need to build the right homes in the right places, so that everyone has a chance to live in a safe, decent home. Thurrock continues to be open for business and the council is keen to work with proactive partnerships like TRDP, putting the community at the centre of those conversations."