Hundreds of new homes proposed for prime Essex waterfront site
Released 12 December 2006 | Released by
A major project to regenerate and redevelop a prime Essex waterfront location is set to create a new high quality community with about 1,000 new homes.
The brownfield site in Wouldham Road, Thurrock, has been purchased for £21 million by a joint partnership which comprises of The East of England Development Agency (EEDA), Family Mosaic Housing and Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation (TTGDC).
The 22-acre (10 hectare) site, currently used for commercial purposes, is set to be transformed into a high quality residential-led mixed used development. The new vibrant waterfront community will include new homes, commercial and retail units and open spaces and will be designed and built to the highest standards.
EEDA will be investing over £9 million in the project, making it the organisation's biggest single funded project this financial year.
David Marlow, EEDA's chief executive, said: "We are determined to set a new benchmark for what can and should be achieved in terms of creating high quality sustainable communities in the East of England and the Thames Gateway in particular. Working with our partners, Family Mosaic and TTGDC we are convinced we have the right blend of expertise, funding and vision to get the job done."
Integrated construction consultants Avebury have worked with the partners to broker the deal.
Now following the acquisition of the site by the partners, the next step is to create a detailed masterplan for the area. Llewellyn Davies Yeang has been selected to undertake this work as they have a proven track record in involving local communities and developing schemes that meet a wide range of aspirations while still being commercially viable.
Brendan Sarsfield, chief executive of Family Mosaic, said: "Family Mosaic is confident that by working in partnership with TTGDC and EEDA we will be able to develop the right residential and commercial mix which fulfils the needs of our customers. This will be a development of the highest quality which will push the boundaries of design and density."
Acquisition of the site by the public sector reflects the need to set a clear benchmark for the quality and scale of development that should be the norm in Thurrock. This is important if the ambitious plans for Thurrock, being set out by TTGDC, are to be achieved. The level of funding being provided by the partners reflects their joint commitment to the Thames Gateway and to achieving the challenging targets of the Sustainable Communities Plan.
Niall Lindsay, TTGDC chief executive, said: "This is an exciting opportunity for the corporation and its partners to invest and regenerate this part of West Thurrock. This site will accommodate a wide range of new homes and will utilize innovative design, open space, and new community infrastructure to create a vibrant riverside community."
The partners hope to offer the site to the market in 2008.
