Thames Enterprise Park; ambitious plans for 415-acre brownfield site Posted on: January 11th, 2019 A major new development is planned on the edge of the Thames which will create a thriving ‘superhub’ which will create up to 4,500 jobs. The plans, submitted later last year with Thurrock Council, propose the regeneration of the old Coryton Oil Refinery situated in a prime location on the edge of the River Thames next to London Gateway – with strong transport links via a rail freight interchange, the river and road. Thames Enterprise Park, who’re set to speak at the inaugural Thames Estuary Development Conference in April, will be delivered through a collaborative partnership including Greenergy, iSec and Thames Enterprise Partnership. iSec have a strong reputation for being leading in developing large-scale and complex industrial property developments whilst Greenergy have are experts within the field of advanced biofuels as well as connectivity through Thames Oilport for fuel distribution, and they’ll both be at the Thames Estuary Development Conference discussing their plans for the site and how those within the construction sector can get involved. The proposed plans highlight the desire to include: Industry zones including; Food, Energy, Sustainable Industries Food Hub to bring processing, packaging, storage and distribution Energy Hub and Park Sustainable Industries Hub; the focal point for SMEs to research and develop new technologies Amenity hub Offices Leisure Facilities Education Resources Hotel Conferencing Facilities The new thriving district which the above will create is set to bring up to 4,500 new jobs to the area, with many expected to be skilled, engineering and apprenticeship opportunities in a massive boost for the regional economy. Not only will it be a place to work, the park will be designed to be enjoyed by visitors as well as those working on site, with physical infrastructure and connectivity through dedicated footpaths and cycleways, and a focus on creative a beautiful landscaped environment at the former Oil works. Chris Brookhouse, Chief Executive of Thames Enterprise Park and attendee at the Thames Estuary Development Conference, said: “The sheer scale of the site, our ability to create large, multi-floor facilities and the level of automation on offer combined to create exciting opportunities for occupiers to streamline their supply chains. This is a unique opportunity for food operators and e-retailers to cluster just 30 miles from London.” He added: “Changes to renewable fuel supply obligations in the UK mean there will be a growing requirement for advanced biofuels produced using innovative technologies. We will be drawing on Greenergy’s expertise in this area to help create an incubator space for sustainable energy within Thames Enterprise Park. With Thames Oilport adjacent to the site, there are unique opportunities to help bring developmental fuels to market.” Canvey West Cllr Ray Howard said: “It’s fantastic that 4,500 jobs are being made from this, it is great. We’re all going to benefit from these sorts of things and people from Canvey will have a desire to find a job at this park. With the billions of pounds being spent on the complex, and the thousands of new jobs likely to be created, the planning of the associated infrastructure to support such an important scheme must start now.” The infrastructure suggested from Cllr Howard is reiterated within the planning application, which suggest that a rail freight terminal, parking facilities for cars and lorries could be created along with additional infrastructure to the local road networks. The submitted plans read: “The project presents a unique regeneration opportunity, proposing the introduction of UK’s first true multi-modal superhub for industrial businesses.” Click here to register for the Thames Estuary Development Conference to hear more about this and many other proposed schemes.
