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Cllr Louise McKinlay, Essex County Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities, Economic Growth and Prosperity, was joined by members of the council’s Cabinet on a visit to Thames Enterprise Park (31 October) to see the scale of the opportunity and to find out more about the plans at this major regeneration opportunity in Thurrock for Essex and the South East.

Cllr McKinlay was joined by Leader Cllr Kevin Bentley alongside Essex County Council Cabinet Members, officers, and representatives of Thames Estuary Growth Board.

As one of the largest and most significant brownfield regeneration projects in the UK, Thames Enterprise Park offers a unique opportunity to drive economic growth in the region.

TEP will create an energy-led commercial district for advanced logistics and manufacturing, specialised high energy use industries, sustainable energy generation technologies, and fuels of the future.

Rupert Wood said: “We’re pleased to be able to host the Essex County Council Cabinet and Officers for their visit so they could hear how Thames Enterprise Park will drive economic growth in the area. We’re looking forward to continuing our work with partners across the region as we realise the impact this new economic asset and employment development will have for Thurrock, Essex, the South East, and the UK.”

Councillor Louise McKinlay, Essex County Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities, Economic Growth and Prosperity, said: “Thames Enterprise Park is a hugely exciting regeneration scheme, and it was fantastic to be able to visit the site and see the plans for the location first hand. The project will create a major new economic centre for sustainable and specialist industries, including advanced logistics and manufacturing, helping to drive economic growth in Greater Essex and create new jobs across the wider region.”

The Mayor of Thurrock, Councillor Sue Little, visited Thames Enterprise Park (Tuesday 6 February) to mark the start of another phase of deconstruction work as regeneration progresses on the site of the former Coryton Oil Refinery.

When complete, Thames Enterprise Park is projected to create 5,500 jobs and to generate £350m per year for the local economy.

The site has a long industrial heritage dating back to the 19^th century and previously there had been more than 200 oil tanks during the refinery’s peak in the 1970s and 80s.

Thames Enterprise Park will bring those job opportunities and economic benefits back and is identified as one of Thurrock’s key growth hubs.

The development will reinvent the former oil refinery into a ‘next generation’ energy-led development for advanced manufacturing and logistics, energy-led technology sectors and fuels of the future.

Work has now started on taking down 34 decommissioned former oil storage tanks.  Across the site, above-ground structures have been decommissioned, cleaned, and then demolished or removed in phases.  Work by specialist contractor DSM will continue until Autumn 2024.

The Mayor was hosted by Development Director Graham Stark to mark the start of this work, to see the deconstruction process first-hand, and to meet the teams working on-site.

Thurrock Mayor, Councillor Sue Little, said: “It was a pleasure to visit Thames Enterprise Park to see the progress being made as this new phase of decommissioning begins.  Iwas glad to meet the skilled, specialist teams working hard to move this project forwards.”

Graham Stark, Development Director at Thames Enterprise Park said: “This new phase of work is a key phase in the process to unlock the size and scale of the opportunity at Thames Enterprise Park. We were pleased to welcome the Mayor to see first-hand the progress being made.  When complete, Thames Enterprise Park will result in more than £350 million per year delivered back into the local economy.  That’s £3.5 billion of economic impact over the first 10 years of operation here in Thurrock.”

The redevelopment of the former Coryton Refinery into Thames Enterprise Park is progressing with another 34 previously used oil storage tanks now being taken down as part of the site clearance and preparation work required for development.

Previously there had been more than 200 tanks on-site during the refinery’s peak in the 1970s and 80s.

Across the site, above-ground structures have been decommissioned, cleaned, and then demolished or removed in phases.

Work by specialist contractor DSM started earlier this month and will continue until Autumn 2024.   They will take down the empty and clean oil tanks.

Specialised tools will cut the steel tanks into ‘plates’ which are then weighed and transported to Ward, an approved scrap metal merchant within ten miles of the site to reduce emissions.  The metal is recycled and repurposed for future use. 

The clearance works are an important step in the regeneration of the 412-acre brownfield site and the development of Thames Enterprise Park, one of the largest employment-led regeneration projects in the South East.

Rupert Wood said: “Deconstruction of the former oil storage facilities is an important step in realising the size and scale of the opportunity at Thames Enterprise Park.  This is one of the biggest regeneration projects in the South East – converting over 400 acres of brownfield land into a new economic asset and employment hub for Thurrock.

“When complete, Thames Enterprise Park will provide 5,500 new jobs in growth industries within one of Thurrock’s six growth hubs.  More than £1 billion of private sector capital will be invested, resulting in more than £350 million per year delivered back into the local economy.  That’s £3.5 billion of economic impact over the first 10 years of operation here in Thurrock.”

The Leader of Thurrock Council, Councillor Andrew Jefferies, and Mayor, Councillor Sue Little, visited Thames Enterprise Park (19 October) to see the scale of the opportunity and the potential for transformation at one of Thurrock’s key growth locations.

Councillor Andrew Jefferies, Leader of Thurrock Council, said: “The opportunity at Thames Enterprise Park is one of the best inward investment and growth opportunities for Thurrock and it has our full support.  It will be good for Thurrock in so many ways and it’s excellent to see it for myself and to fully appreciate the scale of what’s intended to happen here.  Thames Enterprise Park is exciting, high-potential, beneficial and something I’m very much looking forward to seeing come to life.”

The Leader and Mayor were hosted by Development Director, Graham Stark and were shown around the 412-acre former Coryton Oil Refinery, taking in the redundant oil tanks and former oil refinery infrastructure and viewing the progress of early phase remediation and site preparation.

Graham Stark said: “The stats at Thames Enterprise Park tell you one part of the story with 5,500 jobs, up to £1.2 billion of investment, an estimated £340 million per year to the local economy, and over 400 acres of brownfield land to put back into productive economic use.  But ‘seeing is believing’, as they say, and we were pleased to welcome the Leader and Mayor of Thurrock to allow them to appreciate the size and scale of the opportunity at Thames Enterprise Park.”

The approved plans for Thames Enterprise Park include an initial 3.7 million sq feet of commercial development and employment space alongside approved areas for open storage, landscaping, amenity hub, hotel, and education uses.

The development will reinvent the former hydrocarbons-based refinery into a ‘next generation’ energy-led development for advanced logistics, manufacturing, fuels of the future & energy related operations.  There is also the opportunity to bring in the adjacent Thames Oilport land, thereby expanding the potential overall scale of regeneration and economic impact.

Planning permission for Thames Enterprise Park was granted in 2022

Cllr Sue Little, Mayor of Thurrock, said: “It was excellent to visit Thames Enterprise Park, to see the site and to meet the team.  It’s a reminder of how important the River Thames is in both Thurrock’s history and its future.”

Thames Enterprise Park is part of the Thames Freeport.  On its own – as well as in combination with its Freeport site partners – it is set to be one the largest drivers of economic change and opportunity in Thurrock and the south-east of England.

Thames Enterprise Park (TEP) has welcomed the Government’s green light for Thames Freeport and its confirmation of £25 million in initial funding to drive development and accelerate the delivery of the Freeport’s benefits and potential.

As a ‘Customs’ site within Thames Freeport, TEP will deliver the ‘additionality’ which is so central to the Freeport regeneration objective, complementing the already identified ‘Tax’ sites and offering its unique land platform into the Freeport ecosystem.

HM Government confirmed its commitment to Thames Freeport (20 March announcement – read here).

Rupert Wood, Head of Strategic Land at ALMCOR, speaking on behalf of Thames Enterprise Park, said: “Thames Freeport has significant potential to be transformational for Thurrock, South Essex and the wider Thames Estuary.  The Government green light and funding commitment is another important step forward.  At Thames Enterprise Park, we have a strategic land platform to bring into the overall Thames Freeport area and we expect to deliver substantial ‘additionality’ in terms of jobs, return on invested capital, and a full spectrum of broader commercial, social and environmental benefits.”

TEP is part of Thames Freeport alongside Port of Tilbury, Ford Dagenham, DP World London Gateway and the Port of London Authority (PLA).

Triggered by the Government announcement, Thames Freeport will now receive up to £25 million seed funding from government and potentially hundreds of millions in locally retained business rates to drive growth in the UK’s advanced manufacturing, biomanufacturing, logistics, and low carbon industries.

Levelling Up Minister Dehenna Davison said: “We’re delivering on our mission to grow the economy and level up right across the UK.  Thames Freeport is up and running and will bring high quality jobs, investment and trading opportunities for businesses in the region.”

Robin Mortimer, Maritime UK Chair said: “This latest wave of Freeport approvals is a major boost for UK maritime and the wider levelling-up agenda. Business, and the wider communities, will now be able to benefit from the wave of investment, development and jobs that Freeports are projected to generate.” 

Thames Freeport estimates that it will generate over 12,000 new jobs, and as a gateway to London, its hubs are well placed to provide global shipping routes for exporting UK produced goods and importing vital products for supply chains.

TEP anticipates making a significant difference to occupiers and industries that want to be part of the Freeport ecosystem and will benefit directly from locating at TEP where they can be part of the sustainable industries, clean fuels, advanced manufacturing and decarbonisation hub that TEP will provide.

TEP has planning permission (‘Resolution to Grant’) for  up to 3.7 million sq ft of commercial development within an integrated site masterplan for the regeneration of the former Coryton oil refinery site. 

With multi-modal connectivity (river, rail and road) together with deep-water jetties and important pipeline infrastructure already in place, TEP will provide outstanding commercial space for advanced logistics, advanced manufacturing and next-generation energy technology uses.  It will particularly benefit businesses looking for energy resilience, decarbonisation and ESG goals.

On its own, TEP will create up to 5,500 new jobs and deliver an estimated £350 million per year to the local economy.

It will transform 412 acres of brownfield land into a new commercial district with the first plots expected to be ready for development during 2023

TEP is one of ALMCOR’s major brownfield regeneration projects.  It is part of ALMCOR’s portfolio of large-scale, complex redevelopment sites where ALMCOR’s capability and expertise is making the difference in bringing strategic sites forward.

As Christmas comes to Corringham, Thames Enterprise Park (TEP) is pleased to be playing a part in helping to create and celebrate the festive spirit.

Working with the Corringham, Fobbing & Homesteads Community Forum, TEP is delighted to be funding improvements and essential upgrades for the town centre Christmas lights for the second year running.

Roy Jones, Chair of Corringham, Fobbing & Homesteads Community Forum, said: “The Christmas lights make a really important contribution to Corringham town centre and bring a bit of sparkle for the festive season.  Without TEP’s support we would have struggled to finance the improvements needed so we’re tremendously grateful.  It’s excellent to have partnerships with local Thurrock businesses, like we do with TEP and a number of others, to help us achieve the things the Forum wouldn’t otherwise be able to achieve on its own.”

Graham Stark, Development Director at Thames Enterprise Park, said: “The Thames Enterprise Park site has been a major local employment location for over a hundred years and we’re delighted to continue to be an active member of the local community and ensure that TEP makes a positive difference where we can.  Helping to make sure that the Corringham Christmas lights shine bright in an energy efficient way is something we’re proud to support.  We wish everyone a peaceful, safe and happy Christmas.”

The Corringham Christmas lights are put on every year by the Community Forum.  TEP’s funding has allowed for new timers and important new parts to be purchased and installed, meaning the lights can operate safely, effectively, and in the most efficient way again this year.

Regeneration of former Coryton oil refinery site will create 5,500 new jobs and expected to add £350 million per year to the local economy.

Thames Enterprise Park Limited, a joint venture between ALMCOR and Greenergy, has been given the green light from Thurrock Council for one of the most significant brownfield regeneration projects in the South East of England. 

Thames Enterprise Park will revive the former Coryton oil refinery site, initially delivering 3.7 million sq ft of advanced logistics, advanced manufacturing and next-generation energy technology uses.  It will create up to 5,500 new jobs.

The development is expected to add more than £350 million per year to the local economy ultimately growing to more than £3.5 billion.  It will transform 412 acres of brownfield land into a new commercial district with the first plots expected to be ready for development during 2023.

The development will have sustainability at its core and will comprise state-of-the-art construction to the highest standards of energy efficiency.  It will help occupiers to deliver on ESG requirements and feature next generation energy technologies that contribute to the decarbonisation agenda.  

Rupert Wood, Head of Strategic Land at ALMCOR, speaking on behalf of Thames Enterprise Park, said:

“This is an important milestone for the project.”

“Thames Enterprise Park is a once-in-a-generation regeneration project and we are very pleased to secure the support of Thurrock Council’s planning committee.  The project will create 5,500 jobs and will play a transformational role for Thurrock and for Thames Freeport, bringing this former employment site back into use with up to 3.7m sq. ft of modern, sustainable business space.  It will also create one of the most significant employment-led regeneration projects in the South-East of England.”

Thames Enterprise Park will play a pivotal part in the long-term success of Thames Freeport, the UK’s leading Freeport, with the site offering significant additionality for the Thames Freeport to achieve its full potential.

The plans will put Thames Enterprise Park at the heart of the decarbonisation agenda and help occupiers looking for solutions in the face of the energy transition and the climate change challenge.

Thames Enterprise Park is one of ALMCOR’s major brownfield regeneration projects.  It is part of ALMCOR’s portfolio of large-scale, complex redevelopment sites where ALMCOR’s capability and expertise is making the difference in bringing strategic sites forward.

-ends-

Further information

You can find out more about Thames Enterprise Park on its website or social media channels (Twitter / LinkedIn).  For planning information, please visit the Thurrock Council website.

More on ALMCOR at https://almcor.com/ and Greenergy at https://www.greenergy.com/ 

Contact details for media

For information about Thames Enterprise Park, contact Richard Pia / Ben Copithorne on rpia@camargue.uk / bcopithorne@camargue.uk or 07850 796401 / 07968 748125 / 020 7636 7366

Notes to editors:

Thames Enterprise Park

• The project is owned and being delivered through a JV between real estate regeneration specialist, ALMCOR and Greenergy.
• ALMCOR is a portfolio company of MARCOL, the pan-European operating investor driving growth, value and innovation.
• More information on Greenergy can be found at https://www.greenergy.com/ 
• Thames Enterprise Park in Thurrock is one of the most significant employment-led regeneration project in the South East of England.
• It is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to re-purpose the former Coryton Oil Refinery site on the banks of the River Thames in Thurrock into a modern, sustainable commercial district, providing up to 3.7million sq ft of ‘next generation’ advanced manufacturing, logistics and energy technology space.
• The proposed redevelopment transforms 412 acres of brownfield land into a sustainable, strategic employment and infrastructure asset, creating up to 5,500 new jobs worth approximately £350m per year to the local economy.
• As well as extensive commercial space, the proposed development also includes an Amenity Hub to promote research and innovation as well as education and training facilities, café, gym and new public access to the riverside.
• Employment, training and apprenticeship opportunities will be promoted to Thurrock residents via a Local Employment & Skills Plan, using local labour sources and advertising for jobs locally.
• Thames Enterprise Park will deliver a comprehensive multi-million pound package of transport investment, including upgrades to the local road network at The Manorway, the A13/Manorway interchange, Sorrells roundabout and M25 Junction 30. 
• The development will maximise sustainable transport choices and enhance connectivity by all transport modes throughout the local area and improve the overall resilience of the transport network. Thames Enterprise Park is one of six identified ‘GrowthHubs’ in Thurrock that are critical to the economy of the Borough to deliver the Council’s action plan ‘Backing Thurrock’.
• It is strategically located on the Thames Estuary with direct access to river, road and rail links.
• Drawing on its energy-related heritage, strategic location and trading connectivity, Thames Enterprise Park is a forward-looking destination for business, driving sustainability and innovation and contributing to the decarbonisation agenda.
• The development will maximise ‘sustainable travel choices’ and enhance connectivity by all transport modes throughout the local area and improve the overall resilience of the transport network.
• Thames Enterprise Park is part of the Thames Freeport, alongside Port of Tilbury, Ford Dagenham, DP World London Gateway and the Port of London Authority (PLA).  Thames Freeport is the Government’s leading freeport opportunity and is set to make this part of the Thames Estuary an economic powerhouse, supporting the UK’s post-Brexit trading future.

Local MP Stephen Metcalfe visited Thames Enterprise Park (TEP) last week (21 May 2021) to see how the former oil refinery site is readying itself for regeneration.

Hosted by Director of Thames Enterprise Park, Jonathan Whittingham, and iSec Head of Strategic Land, Rupert Wood, Stephen took a tour of the 412-acre former Coryton Oil Refinery site, which is to be redeveloped to bring the site back into use as a major sustainable economic centre and, once again, to contribute to the local and regional economy.  Councillor Robert Gledhill, Leader of Thurrock Borough Council, also joined and completed the visiting group.

An outline planning application to transform the site has been submitted to Thurrock Borough Council.  The application is progressing through the planning process and it is anticipated that the plans will be presented to the Council’s planning committee early this summer.

The development, which is part of the Thames Freeport, would create up to 5,500 new jobs worth an estimated £340 million per year to the local economy.

Stephen Metcalfe MP (South Basildon and East Thurrock) said:

“The opportunity here is massive.  It’s a critical time to get investment and regeneration going as we come out of the pandemic and Thames Enterprise Park has a significant role to play, locally and regionally in the recovery.  The vision to target specialised industries alongside logistics will broaden the job opportunities locally as well as complementing and building on the success of London Gateway.  I look forward to seeing Thames Enterprise Park bringing jobs and commercial activity back to Coryton.”

Jonathan Whittingham, Director of Thames Enterprise Park, said:

“It’s been a busy year so far.  The successful Thames Freeport bid and submitting the revised planning documents to support the planning application, which is progressing through the planning process at Thurrock Borough Council, has resulted in significant interest from occupiers looking to locate at Thames Enterprise Park.

“We’re on the cusp of something special at Thames Enterprise Park and it’s been great to show Stephen the site and explain our vision and plans for the development.  With a green light on planning permission, we hope to be on-site for construction later this year.  We want to bring the site back to economic life in a way that benefits the community and that Thurrock can be proud of.”

The vision is to provide a place which will attract the next generation of sustainable specialised industries within manufacturing, energy and logistics and to participate in and contribute to the UK’s overall transition towards net zero emissions and climate change targets.

This vision was boosted in March when ‘Thames Freeport’, which Thames Enterprise Park is part of, was selected by Government in the Chancellor’s Budget as one of 8 freeport bids to proceed.

Recognising its potential, Thames Enterprise Park has already established occupier interest.  A major cold store operator in the food sector has been signed up and advanced discussions are taking place with a biofuels company.

£8.5m has already been spent to remediate over 100 acres of land so it is ready for the next phase of infrastructure delivery.  Subject to planning permission, this first phase, located on an area called the ‘West Site’, could be on-site and moving into construction by the end of the year.

You can find out more about Thames Enterprise Park on its website or social media channels (Twitter / LinkedIn).  For planning information, please visit the Thurrock Council website.

Contact details

For information about Thames Enterprise Park, contact Richard Pia / Ben Copithorne on rpia@camargue.uk / bcopithorne@camargue.uk or 07850 796401 / 07968 748125 / 020 7636 7366

Notes to editors

Thames Enterprise Park

• Thames Enterprise Park is a billion-pound inward investment proposal to transform the former Coryton Oil Refinery site on the banks of the River Thames in Thurrock into a vibrant manufacturing, energy and logistics super-hub.
• From 1953 until 2012, Coryton Oil Refinery was one of the largest local employers with thousands of people working there. The ambition is to bring that employment back through the regeneration of the site.
• The proposals are ‘regeneration in action’ – transforming 412 acres of brownfield land into a strategic employment and infrastructure asset.
• Thames Enterprise Park, once fully built, will create up to 5,500 new jobs worth approximately £340m GVA per annum, as well as training and learning opportunities for young people.
• A clean, sustainable employment hub which will attract new manufacturing and specialised industries to Thurrock.
• Strategically located on the Thames Estuary with direct access to river, road and rail links.
• Immediately adjacent to London Gateway port and London Gateway Logistics Park, it will be an innovative employment destination and complementary to the port.
• Clustering of manufacturing, logistics and energy businesses will strengthen supply chains, cut carbon and achieve more sustainable energy use.
• Thames Enterprise Park is part of the Thames Freeport alongside London Gateway, Port of Tilbury and Ford’s Dagenham engine plant, that will transform the regional economy and deliver benefits at scale through the Thames Freeport vision. The Freeport as a whole could create more than 25,000+ new jobs.

Thames Enterprise Park welcomes Chancellor’s backing of the bid

Thames Enterprise Park is welcoming the Government’s decision to back the Thames Freeport bid as a ‘strong vote of confidence’ and ‘green light for growth’.

Thames Enterprise Park joined the Thames Freeport bid in January, bringing its 669 acres of former oil refinery land into the overall venture and boosting its regeneration potential.

The Chancellor announced the Government’s support for Thames Freeport in the 3 March Budget.

Jonathan Whittingham, Director of Thames Enterprise Park, said:

“The Chancellor has recognised the economic opportunity provided by the Thames Freeport to transform the Thames Estuary region.

“As part of the Thames Freeport, Thames Enterprise Park will provide valuable development land to maximise the regeneration benefits for the region.  We have an ambitious vision for a clean, green employment hub which will bring local jobs and investment to Thurrock, while supporting the Government’s net zero goals.  Freeport status will only help us go further in stimulating the economic, social and environmental benefits not only for the estuary region, but also for the UK.

“We look forward to working with our Thames Freeport partners to reinforce the region as the UK’s strongest logistics cluster.”

When fully built out, Thames Enterprise Park will create a new manufacturing, energy and logistics super-hub on the banks of the River Thames, embracing clean and green fuel technologies and building on its legacy as a former oil refinery once supplying to a significant part of London and the South East.

Hydrogen is central to this vision for a clean fuel network that aligns closely with the UK’s net zero carbon agenda.

The total Thames Freeport impact – generated across Thames Enterprise Park, DP World London Gateway, Forth Ports at Port of Tilbury, and Ford at Dagenham – is:

• £5.1 billion additional GVA
• Over £4.5 billion in new public and private investment
• 25,000+ new jobs with many more across supply chains, with significant investment in training and skills
• 1,700 acres of development land – much with planning consent
• £400 million port investment into some of the most deprived areas
• 20% of the UK’s most deprived communities are in London and the South East
• Freeports are in our DNA – DP World began as a free trade zone in Jebel Ali, while Tilbury was a freeport until 2012.

Thames Enterprise Park is one of the largest regeneration projects in the UK and having it within Thames Freeport means that the transformative impact of freeport status will be even greater – a key objective of the Government’s freeport policy.

Following the submission of a package of additional planning information to Thurrock Borough Council in February, a decision on the outline planning application for Thames Enterprise Park is anticipated in the summer.

£8.5m has already been committed to early remediation and planning permission has been secured for further infrastructure works, so that plots can be ready for development as soon as consent is granted.

When planning permission is granted, the first phase of the development will be up and running within 24 months.

Recognising its potential, Thames Enterprise Park has already established occupier interest.  A major food sector occupier has been signed up and advanced discussions are taking place with a biofuels company and major low carbon occupier.

You can find out more about Thames Enterprise Park on its website or social media channels (Twitter / LinkedIn).  For planning information, please visit the Thurrock Council website.

Contact details

For information about Thames Enterprise Park, contact Richard Pia / Ben Copithorne on rpia@camargue.uk / bcopithorne@camargue.uk or 07968 748125 / 020 7636 7366

Notes to editors

Thames Enterprise Park

• Thames Enterprise Park is a billion-pound inward investment proposal to transform the former Coryton oil refinery site on the banks of the River Thames in Thurrock into a vibrant manufacturing, energy and logistics super-hub.
• It is regeneration in action – transforming 669 acres of brownfield land into a strategic employment and infrastructure asset
• It will create up to 5,500 new jobs worth approximately £340m GVA per annum, as well as training and learning opportunities for young people
• Clean, green and commercially-relevant employment hub which will attract new businesses to Thurrock and the wider regional area
• Strategically located on the River Thames with direct access to river, road and rail links
• Immediately adjacent to London Gateway port, it will be an innovative employment destination and complementary to the port – delivering the proven business benefits of clustering
• Clustering of manufacturing, logistics and energy businesses will strengthen supply chains, cut carbon and achieve more sustainable energy use
• Capital is in place and some plots are ‘shovel ready’ – accelerated construction can ensure Thames Enterprise Park is operating as soon as possible (subject to planning consent)
• Potential to transform the regional economy and deliver benefits at scale though the Thames Freeport vision. Thames Enterprise Park is part of the Thames Freeport bid alongside London Gateway, Port of Tilbury and Ford’s Dagenham engine plant. The Freeport as a whole could create more than 25,000+ new jobs

Plans for Thames Enterprise Park, the billion-pound regeneration vision for the former Coryton oil refinery, have taken a significant step forward this week with the developers submitting a package of additional information to Thurrock Borough Council to support the planning application. 

The Council had requested supplementary details to assist with its determination of the application.  A decision is now anticipated early in the summer.

The planning application proposes to create a new manufacturing, energy and logistics super-hub across 412 acres of the former oil refinery site that closed in 2012. If approved, Thames Enterprise Park will create up to 5,500 new jobs and add around £340m (GVA) every year to the economy.

This week’s news follows the recent announcement that Thames Enterprise Park is partnering with neighbours DP World London Gateway, Port of Tilbury and Ford Dagenham on the Thames Freeport bid – an overall opportunity to create over 25,000 new jobs across more than 1,600 acres.  A decision on the freeport bidding competition and whether Thames Freeport will secure freeport status will be made by the UK Government, separately from the local decision on the planning application for Thames Enterprise Park.

Jonathan Whittingham, Director of Thames Enterprise Park, said:

“Thames Enterprise Park represents a billion-pound inward investment proposition which will be truly transformational for Thurrock and for the Thames Estuary.  This is regeneration in action: we’re taking a brownfield site and repurposing it to create a strategic employment site with upwards of 5,500 new jobs for the region.

“As well as attracting new green industries, we will also create significant economic and social benefits for the wider area.  Once planning consent is granted by Thurrock Council, we will move rapidly into the construction phase so that we can realise these benefits for Thurrock and the estuary region as soon as possible.”

Thames Enterprise Park is one of the largest regeneration projects in the UK.  £8.5m has already been committed to early remediation and planning permission has been secured for further infrastructure works, so that plots can be ready for development as soon as consent is granted.  When planning permission is granted, the first phase of the development will be up and running within 24 months.

As well as progressing with the planning application and Thames Freeport bid, Thames Enterprise Park has already established occupier interest.  A major food sector occupier has been signed up and advanced discussions are taking place with a biofuels company and major low carbon occupier.

You can find out more about Thames Enterprise Park on its website or social media channels (Twitter / LinkedIn).  For planning information, please visit the Thurrock Council website.

Contact details

For information about Thames Enterprise Park, contact Richard Pia / Ben Copithorne on rpia@camargue.uk / bcopithorne@camargue.uk or 07968 748125 / 020 7636 7366

Notes to editors

Thames Enterprise Park

• Thames Enterprise Park is a billion-pound inward investment proposal to transform the former Coryton oil refinery site on the banks of the River Thames in Thurrock into a vibrant manufacturing, energy and logistics super-hub.
• It is regeneration in action – transforming 669 acres of brownfield land into a strategic employment and infrastructure asset
• It will create up to 5,500 new jobs worth approximately £340m GVA per annum, as well as training and learning opportunities for young people
• Clean, green and commercially-relevant employment hub which will attract new businesses to Thurrock and the wider regional area
• Strategically located on the River Thames with direct access to river, road and rail links
• Immediately adjacent to London Gateway port, it will be an innovative employment destination and complementary to the port – delivering the proven business benefits of clustering
• Clustering of manufacturing, logistics and energy businesses will strengthen supply chains, cut carbon and achieve more sustainable energy use
• Capital is in place and some plots are ‘shovel ready’ – accelerated construction can ensure Thames Enterprise Park is operating as soon as possible (subject to planning consent)
• Potential to transform the regional economy and deliver benefits at scale though the Thames Freeport vision. Thames Enterprise Park is part of the Thames Freeport bid alongside London Gateway, Port of Tilbury and Ford’s Dagenham engine plant. The Freeport as a whole could create more than 25,000+ new jobs