The Head of Regeneration & Assets informed the committee that thePurfleet Centre Project was the largest regeneration programme that the Council is directly responsible for delivering.  The high profile scheme would ultimately create more than 2,300 new homes and a state-of-the-art film, television and media studio complex around a new town centre featuring primary and secondary schools, a health centre and local shops, leisure and community facilities whilst opening up riverfront access alongside 1km of the Thames. 

The Council entered into contract with its chosen development partner (Purfleet Centre Regeneration Limited (PCRL)) in January 2016 with those agreements going unconditional in March 2016. These agreements secured the funds necessary to deliver the first phase of the project which was anticipated to include several hundred new homes and much of the community infrastructure (schools, health centre, shops and local facilities) that the area currently lacks.

Since entering into contract, the Council and PCRL have been working together to review the initial proposals for the scheme with a view to developing a new master plan which would support the submission of the necessary planning applications in late 2016 to enable a start on site in Summer 2017. The Council’s express approval is needed for any significant changes to the master plan and so the master plan is being presented to PTR O&S as part of that consideration. The Committee has previously received delegated authority from Cabinet to consider the development of the proposals.

The Committee invited PCRL to present their presentation. The presentation informed members of the work completed to date to review  the master plan and the emerging proposals. The drivers for any changes and the remaining issues still to be resolved were outlined.

Mr. Rowles a representative from the Purfleet Community Forum was invited to the committee to make a statement. Mr. Rowles praised the master plan explaining that this was something he was very passionate about, he expressed that the development was a fantastic opportunity. It was explained that there were 25 individuals on the design panel who had been involved in the creation of the development whilst working alongside the Council and architects.

Councillor Gerrish supported the development and felt that it was a very exciting time for Thurrock and the Purfleet community. Councillor Gerrish praised the regeneration team, PCRL and the Purfleet Community Forum for their hard work. He was pleased to see some real progress and strongly supported the plan highlighting the benefits of the secondary school, studios and the opportunity for Purfleet to become a creative hub.

Councillor Kelly informed the committee of the areas that he felt the planning committee may want to understand  when the necessary planning applications are submitted.

• The importance of the riverfront and how activity might be generated along it.
• Highways access to, from and through the proposed developments, via A13, M25.
• Clarification of the quantity and positioning of  tree plantations
• If adequate access had been made for cars dropping and collecting children from the primary and secondary school.

Councillor Piccolo was pleased with the proposed developments and felt satisfied that the developers had worked alongside the community when creating the plan. He was keen to see the river brought into active use with consideration given to the jetty and the potential for ferry transport and tourism.

Councillor Gerrish questioned the timescale in which the level crossing closure would take place. It was confirmed that the level crossing closure would begin in either phase one or phase two.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee welcomed the progress made on the Purfleet Centre project, review and comment upon the emerging masterplan proposals and identify any areas which they consider require further development.