Andy Millard presented the Grays South Project which aims to transform Grays town centre, creating public squares and an underpass to replace the pedestrian level crossing in Grays High Street together with the development of modern retail and residential units.

The Council continued to work closely with Network Rail to develop the proposals and support the project through design and their approvals process although it had become apparent that they were unable to offer significant funding towards the delivery of the scheme.

For the project to progress the Council would meet most of the costs and a funding strategy had been developed drawing upon the existing commitments within the capital programme, available Section 106 funds, anticipated receipts from future development and funds from the Local Growth Fund.

In February 2017, the Council received notification that its bid for £10.8 million from the Local Growth Fund had been successful and that the Council would receive the full payment requested to complete the funding package to deliver this project.

Councillor Rice congratulated Officers for this great news project and for securing the monies required.

Councillor Rice asked for reassurance from Officers that the Section 106 monies would be available. Brian Priestley stated that the Section 106 funds had already been received for this project.

Councillor Allen asked Officers whether the design of the underpass took into account the prevention of any anti-social behaviour, whether CCTV cameras would be installed and what facilities would be in place in the case of flooding. Andy Milliard stated that the project was not at this design point yet but these considerations would be taken into account.

Councillor Smith stated that this was a great project for Thurrock and asked Officers on the timescales for the project. Brian Priestley stated that the project would take about 5 years to complete following completion of agreement with Network Rail. A report will be presented to Cabinet in April seeking formal approval to proceed with the project.

Councillor Gerrish welcomed the project and was thrilled to see the project going forward and asked Officers to come back to committee to present the vision and design of the underpass and to update members on progress.

Councillor Gerrish asked Officers what the proposed time periods would be when the existing crossing would be closed. Andy Milliard stated that the Council was working closely with Network Rail and agreed it would be more amicable to keep the crossing open for as long as possible.

Councillor Rice stated that the Council had to meet the public’s expectations and communication was vital for residents to be involved and kept informed.

RESOLVED

That the Planning Transport and Regeneration Overview and Scrutiny Committee are asked to comment on the approach to managing the delivery of the Grays South Project including;

a)      The division of roles which proposes that Network Rail lead technical design and construction of the underpass, access ramps and steps (elements which are on sensitive operational land) while the Council lead land assembly and design of the public realm;

b)      The terms on which the Council will agree to this division of roles as set out in paragraph 3.6 of this report;

c)      The funding strategy which is based on current commitments in the capital programme, S106 funds, use of development receipts from Council land, and the grant from the Local Growth Fund;

d)      Land assembly based on an approach that keeps land acquisition to the minimum necessary and is based on negotiated settlement with Compulsory Purchase used as a last resort.

Brian Priestley left the committee room at 8.10pm.