YOU SAID, WE DID: Community Engagement Event in October 2022
On 4th October we hosted a 'You Said, We Did' open session in St. Stephen's, Purfleet, to feedback how the community's ideas shaped plans for the new railway station and Market Square. Download the full slides here.
The Purfleet Community help to shape the new Purfleet-on-Thames Market Square
A second round of community consultation has taken place focusing on the new Purfleet-on-Thames Market Square, which will be the focal point for the town centre regeneration project.
Earlier in the week, the PCRL team presented updated plans to the Purfleet-on-Thames Community Design Panel which were warmly received. On Wednesday 6th April, the team then hosted a public consultation event online, which members of the local community could join via Zoom.
If you were unable to attend the event, the presentation slides can be downloaded here:
March 2022: (PLEASE DOWNLOAD THESE AND HOST ON OUR SITE: https://we.tl/t-jwEHBYHV87)
The new Purfleet-on-Thames Market Square: Join us for a second round of Community Consultation
Following our first round of community consultation events in February, we are inviting you to have your say on the refined designs for the Purfleet-on-Thames Market Square.
When: Wednesday 6th April
Time: from 7pm
Where: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86071076204?pwd=MG9nMGNhZnpQazk3SVgya01pWHk1Zz09
Sir Tim Laurence joins Purfleet-on-Thames community members to see first phase of £1.4bn town centre regeneration scheme
Sir Tim Laurence joined Purfleet-on-Thames community members last week (Wednesday 2 February) for a tour of the first phase of the £1.4bn town centre regeneration which was promoted as a flagship project at the 2021 UK Global Investment Summit.
The scheme is being delivered by Purfleet Centre Regeneration Limited (PCRL), a joint venture between Urban Catalyst and Swan Housing Association in association with Thurrock Council.
Sir Tim Laurence, who is the Chair of PCRL, visited the site along with John Rowles Chairman of Purfleet-on-Thames Community Forum and Ali Pretty, Founder and Artistic Director of Kinetika to view the progress that has been made on Phase 1A of the project.
The initial phase will create 61 new spacious two, three and four bedroom homes close to the railway station. Over 50% of the homes will be available to purchase under the Government’s Shared Ownership and Help to Buy schemes, helping to address local housing need.
The initial 2.36 hectare phase also includes a new children’s play area and an orchard walk which will reinstate public access to Hollow Woods creating a gateway to the wider masterplan.
As well as 2,850 new, high-quality homes, the scheme will create a vibrant town centre with shops, community amenities including a new health centre, improved railway and transport facilities.
PCRL’s plans also include a state-of-the-art media village and entertainment studios, with the vison for Purfleet-on-Thames, which is already home to the High House Production Park, to become an international creative hub within the Thames Gateway.
Sir Tim Laurence, Chair of PCRL, said:
“I am delighted to see how much progress has been made on phase 1 of this outstanding project at Purfleet-on-Thames after Keltbray’s excellent work on the ground infrastructure last year. As well as contributing to the Government’s target of building 300,000 new homes every year, it will also create about 1,250 temporary annual construction jobs and more than 1,750 additional long-term jobs across a range of sectors. The new homes will generate estimated annual expenditure of more than £17m locally and £26m across Essex. It’s good to see the local community so closely involved in the project’s design and keeping an eye on the delivery.”
Ali Pretty, Founder and Artistic Director of Kinetika, commented:
“I am hugely supportive of PCRL’s focus on developing the creative community that already exists in Purfleet-on-Thames. As the director of Kinetika I have experienced first-hand the value that the arts can bring to a community; they unite people from all walks of life. Not to mention the jobs and businesses opportunities that will be created.”
John Rowles, Chair of Purfleet Community Forum, said:
“We have spent time and effort in getting where we are now, and it is great to see the start of the regeneration and the first homes taking shape. We have a long way to go, however, we as a community have a chance to help make this vision happen, to make Purfleet-on-Thames the place we want it to be.”
Join us for our next Community Design Workshop: A new Market Square for Purfleet-on-Thames
WHEN: Wednesday 9th February
TIME: From 18:00 to 19:30
WHERE? Join the Community Design Workshop via Zoom: www.bit.ly/OurPurfleetFeb2022
Want to help shape the vision for the new Purfleet-on-Thames Market Square? Join us online for a community design workshop on Wednesday 9th February from 6pm.
13 year old Purfleet-on-Thames resident, Zach, wins Christmas Card design competition
There were so many fantastic entries to our Christmas card design competition this year, that we had to give prizes to several runner ups!
The winning design was drawn by Zach, aged 13, and pictures the Purfleet-on-Thames Community Forum Christmas Lights Switch on, held earlier this Winter.
A huge congratulations to Zach, and a big well done to all the little artists who sent in their fantastic entries.
£1.3bn regeneration of Purfleet-on-Thames' town centre promoted as a flagship project in UK Global Investment Summit
• HRH The Queen and Prime Minister Boris Johnson hosted global summit to drive international investment into the UK
• Showcased projects include Purfleet-on-Thames, a £1.3bn master-plan that includes a new town centre, rail station and studio complex alongside health and educational facilities
• Purfleet-on-Thames regeneration feeds into the wider growth vision for Thurrock and the Thames Estuary region, where creative industries are expected to play a key role
The Royal Family and UK government has named the regeneration of central Purfleet-on-Thames town one of the best investment opportunities in Britain, with the £1.3bn master-plan one of the main projects hosted at this week's Global Investment Summit.
The scheme is being delivered by PCRL, a joint venture between Urban Catalyst and Swan Housing Association, in collaboration with Thurrock Council. In January this year, PCRL secured £75m funding from Homes England and more recently the JV appointed Knight Frank to help source up to £1bn of debt and equity. You can read more about the investment opportunity here: https://www.great.gov.uk/international/content/investment/opportunities/purfleet-on-thames/
Once completed, Purfleet-on-Thames will deliver a new town centre complete with shops and restaurants and a new railway station. Up to 2,850 new homes will be provided as well, alongside an Integrated Medical Centre, improved transport infrastructure and a new primary school.
The plans, approved in December 2019, also include a 1m sq. ft. ‘media village’ to support the UK’s booming TV and film industry. This will help Purfleet-on-Thames on its journey to becoming a leading creative hub, with the town already being home to High House Production Park and Royal Opera House production workshops.
Later phases will deliver a higher/further education campus creating leading facilities with a focus on health and the creative arts.
The £1.3bn regeneration is being delivered by PCRL, a joint venture between Swan Housing Association and developer Urban Catalyst. Together, the two organisations are creating a vibrant new riverside community in Purfleet-on-Thames.
The new and existing facilities at Purfleet-on-Thames form a key part of Thames Estuary Growth Board’s Production Corridor including the Creative Estuary strategy, which seeks to elevate the Thames Estuary region to become one of the world’s leading cultural powerhouses.
Urban Catalyst, led by Ken Dytor, specialises in social infrastructure and complex mixed-use urban regeneration projects with a focus on sustainable solutions. They are currently developing a pipeline of projects throughout the UK and Europe.
Swan Housing Association is one of the largest housing providers in Essex and East London, with over 11,000 homes under management and a specialist in complex, large-scale regeneration with a further 8,500 homes in the pipeline, including the homes they will be delivering for PCRL at Purfleet-on-Thames.
Minister for Investment Gerry Grimstone said: "Purfleet-on-Thames’ £1.3bn regeneration is a testament to the UK's enduring strength as a global hub for investment, built on our competitive economy and cutting-edge innovation.
“The Global Investment Summit will demonstrate how we can use inward investment to propel our economy towards a more prosperous, exciting future.”
Cllr Mark Coxshall, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Strategic Planning and External Relationships, said: “The government’s continued support is recognition of our borough’s key role within the national economy. Thurrock has always been a hotbed for innovation and these plans will transform Purfleet-on-Thames and will significantly contribute to the borough’s wider economic growth ambitions, making Thurrock a healthier and more attractive place to live, work, learn and play. Thurrock is open for business.”
Planning Ahead!
In 2019 PCRL obtained Outline Planning Consent from Thurrock Council for its plans to regenerate Purfleet-on-Thames. A consent of this type is typically used on large regeneration schemes to establish certain critical guidance that future, more detailed planning applications can work within. For example, setting maximum building heights, the type uses that are allowed, the location of strategic roads, the minimum extent of green open space, and the maximum number of homes.
The detail of a scheme is then agreed through further planning applications which are known as Reserved Matters applications. It’s now time for PCRL to move forward with the next Reserved Matters applications for Purfleet-on-Thames.
As we hope is really clear to the community, PCRL is committed to involving the Purfleet-on-Thames community in the design of the scheme and we’re delighted that you have been involved from the start through the Design Panel and the Purfleet-on-Thames Community Forum.
Following community consultation in April and May 2021 on our plans for the vital infrastructure for the new town centre, PCRL is the process of submitting three detailed Planning Applications to Thurrock Council, the details of which are outlined below:
Application 1: London Road and Bridge
As the Purfleet-on-Thames community is aware, a new railway station is due to be built within the town centre to replace the existing facility. Alongside this a new road and pedestrian bridge will be built over the railway to replace the existing, unsafe level crossing.
Providing this connection between the east and west sides of Purfleet-on-Thames has long been a cornerstone of the regeneration project and its completion will improve traffic flow along London Road and reduce air and noise pollution from stationary cars.
This planning application provides detailed, proposed designs for the new road and bridge that will be so vital in connecting the two sides of Purfleet-on-Thames. The bridge will contain a 7.3m wide road, 5m wide combined pedestrian / cycle path on one side and a 2m wide pedestrian pavement on the other side.
Access to the existing railway station will be unaffected by the works, which are currently proposed to take place between February 2023 and July 2024. The application was submitted on Tuesday 12 October.
Application 2: London Road diversion
In advance of constructing the new London Road and Bridge mentioned above, and to allow a connection to be made between the new and existing parts of London Road on the western side of the railway, it will be necessary to re-route traffic away from a section of the existing road onto a temporary diversion.
A planning application for this diversion was submitted by PCRL to Thurrock Council on Tuesday 12 October.
Construction work is currently proposed to take place between November 2022 and February 2023 and the road diversion will be operational from March 2023 until August 2024, when the new bridge and road is complete.
As with any sort of large-scale infrastructure works, there will still be some traffic disruption, including some short road closures while the temporary road is being constructed. However, overall, a temporary road will help us to keep traffic flowing smoothly for Purfleet-on-Thames residents and visitors.
Ultimately the temporary road will be fully removed to make way for Phase 2 of the development.
Application 3: Phase 1 Roads and Highways
Phase 1 is the first major part of the development that is being brought forward by PCRL and is located on land east of the railway line, north of London Road and west of Botany Way. This will deliver a new primary school, varied retail, a town centre, a new railway station, plus around 1,000 new high-quality homes.
This application provides detailed designs for the roads and highways within Phase 1, in accordance with the approved Outline Planning Consent, that will define and provide access to each of the sub-phase development parcels. The width and design of each road has previously been approved by Thurrock Council in the Design Code submitted by PCRL - this application provides further technical details of those roads and highways, such as drainage.
Works on these roads are currently proposed to take place between September 2022 and April 2023
The application is due to be submitted on Thursday 14 October 2021.
Obtaining planning consent for these three applications will allow us to continue to progress the £1bn regeneration of Purfleet-on-Thames and make it a better place to live, work and invest.
If you would like to find out more about our infrastructure proposals for the scheme, you can view the infrastructure proposals here or get in touch with a member of the team. Once the applications have been validated they will be available to view/ comment on through Thurrock Borough Council’s planning portal.
Greening Purfleet-on-Thames: Community Webinar, Wednesday 6th October 2021
On Wednesday 6th October, PCRL held an open Community Webinar to discuss the plans for a greener Purfleet-on-Thames. Including speakers from PCRL, Exterior Architecture, and Savills, the presentation illustrated the plans for green infrastructure within the regeneration plans and explained what green spaces can be expected in the new Purfleet Town Centre.
If you were unable to join the Webinar, download the slides here.
Next steps to a greener Purfleet-on-Thames: Community Webinar, Wednesday 6th October at 6pm
A key PCRL ambition is to make Purfleet-on-Thames a much greener, more biodiverse place to live. To find out more, please join the team to discuss the first phase of the greening works and the proposed wider development of the green infrastructure, which includes planting of over 56,000 new trees.
Wednesday 6 October 2021
From 6pm
Join the Community Webinar: www.tinyurl.com/WebinarOct2021
The approved regeneration will also see PCRL create great new public spaces, including a greenway with a cycle path, children’s play areas and public walkway.
We will also be developing a range of new green spaces for the community to enjoy, with high-quality trees and planting that will enhance biodiversity, including:
Obviously there will be a number of steps along the way to achieve this greener Purfleet-on-Thames. The first phase of the greening works will see us removing some existing lower quality trees to enable us to build the new Greenway.
We know trees and greenery are very important to the Purfleet-on-Thames community. We are therefore working closely with Thurrock Council to ensure that the community is fully consulted with and kept up-to-date about these works.
Residents who are affected by the first phase of these greening works will soon begin to receive letters from the Council. These letters will explain more information about the trees which will be removed and the process which will be followed to ensure that trees that will be removed will be replaced by new, high quality trees as part of the scheme. Remember this generation will see over 56,000 new trees planted in Purfleet-on-Thames!
We will be holding a webinar about these tree works and will be sharing the date for this shortly. In the meanwhile, you can get in touch with our team if you have any questions about the scheme.
PCRL share the latest infrastructure proposals at a public Community Webinar hosted online
On the evening of Tuesday 4th May, PCRL hosted an online Community Webinar to share with local residents, business owners and interested parties the proposals for infrastructure within the regeneration scheme. These included changes to the London Road and Bridge, the interim Purfleet-on-Thames railway station and the permanent station. These proposals had already been interrogated by the Purfleet-on-Thames Community Design Panel throughout consultation events in April.
What does the future of Purfleet-on-Thames look like?
As the regeneration works start on site, join the team responsible for the transformation of Purfleet Town Centre to find out more about the project's infrastructure plans, including changes to the London Road and the Purfleet-on-Thames train station.
53.jpeg "PCRL and Keltbray present an update at the Purfleet-On-Thames Community Forum virtual meeting")
PCRL and Keltbray present an update at the Purfleet-On-Thames Community Forum virtual meeting
On Tuesday 30th March, PCRL and their contractor, Keltbray, joined the Purfleet-On-Thames Community Forum's virtual meeting hosted via Zoom. The team provided an update on the regeneration works and what local residents and business owners can expect in the weeks (and months) to come, as the site is prepared for the commencement of Phase 1A.
Download the presentation slides here.
1.jpeg "Start on-site for first phase of £1bn Purfleet Town Centre Regeneration")
Start on-site for first phase of £1bn Purfleet Town Centre Regeneration
It is full steam ahead for the £1bn regeneration of Purfleet-on-Thames, being delivered by Purfleet Centre Regeneration Limited (PCRL), a joint venture between Urban Catalyst and Swan Housing Association in association with Thurrock Council.
Works have officially started on Phase 1A of the project which will create 61 new spacious two, three and four bedroom homes close to the railway station, helping to address local housing need.
Leading construction engineering specialist, Keltbray, has been appointed by PCRL to deliver the ground works for the first phase and Swan Housing Association will deliver the new homes.
The initial phase also includes a new children's play area and an orchard walk which will reinstate public access to Hollow Woods creating a gateway to the wider masterplan by connecting the new neighbourhood to the future new town centre and wider community spaces.
The 2.36 hectare development has been designed to enhance the green links to Purfleet's Conservation Area so that residents can enjoy the space, with the aim of creating a healthier, more active community.
The architecture is deliberately in keeping with the woodland setting, reflecting the style of homes in the surrounding Conservation Area by making use of timber effect and Flint Gabions.
Over 50% of the initial phase of homes will be available to purchase under the Government's Shared Ownership scheme that aims to make getting on the housing ladder more affordable.
The initial 61 new homes form part of the £1 billion planned regeneration of the town centre that will see PCRL create 2,850 new, high-quality homes alongside a vibrant town centre with shops, community amenities including a new health centre, improved railway and transport facilities and employment and training opportunities.
PCRL's ambitious regeneration plans also encompass a state-of-the-art media village and entertainment studios, with the vison for Purfleet-on-Thames, which is already home to the High House Production Park, to become an international creative hub within the Thames Gateway.
Ken Dytor, Director and Founder of PCRL, said:
"We are proud to announce that work has commenced on the first phase of Purfleet-on-Thames' regeneration. Our plans will see a vibrant riverside destination created where people can live, work, learn and socialise in harmony with its natural surroundings.
"These homes will not only contribute to the Government's target to build 300,000 new homes every year to address the UK'S chronic housing shortage but will also support the wider growth vision for Thames Estuary. Unlocking the region's economic potential will be key to securing the UK's recovery post-Brexit and Covid-19."
Vince Corrigan, Chief Operating Officer at Keltbray, said:
"Keltbray is pleased to have started works on this innovative urban regeneration scheme to support the transformation of Purfleet-on-Thames into an exciting riverside destination. The delivery of new homes embedded within modern, integrated community-based facilities will not only have significant social and economic benefits for the local community, but also the country as a whole as we work to build back better and support the UK Government's economic recovery post-Covid-19."
John Rowles, Chair of Purfleet Community Forum, said:
"Well folks, we have finally got there, it is now March 2021. We have spent time and effort in getting where we are now. PCRL are on site laying the foundations to start the regeneration of Purfleet-on-Thames. We have a long way to go and at times, I know, it won't be easy. However, we as a community have a chance to help make this vision happen, to make Purfleet-on-Thames the place we want it to be."
Ding joins the board of Purfleet-On-Thames based arts organisation Kinetika
Earlier this year, one of our team joined the board of locally based arts organisation, Kinetika. Based at High House Production Park, Kinetika was founded by artistic director Ali Pretty in 1997, and now works with communities in Thurrock and beyond on creative projects that aim to change the way people feel about where they live.
We sat down with Ding, Commercial Manager at Urban Catalyst (the Development Manager here at PCRL) to find out more about Kinetika and her new role as Trustee…
Ding, tell us how you first got involved with Kinetika!
.jpg)
I have been working on some interesting cross-border projects - and its my investment and involvement in the redevelopment of Purfleet town centre that has given me the opportunity to get to know Kinetika and its people. They are amazing!
In 2020 I led the PCRL and Our Purfleet team in participating in Kinetika’s T100 Walking Festival in 2020. From designing a large silk flag of our own, to painting the flag in the professional studio, all the while understanding what Kinetika do, getting to know the lovely people within the organisation, and then finally joining the organised flag walk which allowed me to fully appreciate how the project (and Kinetika as a whole) engages its local community.
Tell us about your new appointment as a Trustee on the board of Kinetika...
Kinetika has been looking for trustees with responsibilities including: representing the diverse communities of Thurrock as an activist, advising on marketing and branding with commercial experience, and supporting Kinetika’s work in community engagement and placemaking, which are all areas I felt I could contribute.
Why? I read my BA in Media and Communications (TV and Film) in Shanghai, published TV documentary, travel and business-themed articles and photos in more than 20 newspapers, magazines, TV channels and online media across the Far East. I also worked for a documentary and film company that specialises in communicating local issues to the global audience,
I believe my learning and practice in media and the range of skills would further help me to understand what Kinetika does and contribute to its various activities - as well as amplifying the amazing work they are doing.
In my other role, as Chair of the UK Han Culture Association, I find a strong similar spirit of the vibrancy and beautiful ethnic elements of Kinetika - for example the creation of Mandalas throughout 2020 as part of their lockdown project.
Who will you be joining on the board of Kinetika?
The Board is the leadership body for the charity, with the purpose of ensuring strategic and operational decisions are in line with the mission and objectives of the organisation (and are within the laws and regulations that govern).
The Board has 5 members:
• Tony Witton, Kent County Council - Chair
• Martin Tyson, Finance
• Matt Lane, Eastside
• Lucy-Emma Harris, Pixelwork
• Simon Meehan
And two new members: Zyle Mills from Heavenly Greens Fruit & Veg, and myself, Ding Ding, Urban Catalyst/PCRL.
Kinetika are based at High House Production Park (HHPP). How will the regeneration of Purfleet Town Centre connect HHPP to Purfleet-On-Thames?
Roads and infrastructure are integral to the regeneration project, providing better connections between Purfleet train station and HHPP. The Town Centre, based around a new and improved train station, will provide essential retail and community facilities whilst integrating naturally with the existing areas of Purfleet-On-Thames. Our proposals for Purfleet seek to transform the area and create a desirable and more sustainable place to live, work and enjoy. The plans will allow easier and safer movement between neighbourhoods, encouraging people to use alternative methods of transport and to move freely through the site and along the riverfront.
One element, the new Media Village and film studios, will act as a catalyst for transforming Purfleet-On-Thames. Not only will this provide a significant employment base that will be embedded within the community, but it will also provide a strong link between the Town Centre and HHPP. I am in particular passionate about helping to bring the community together with Kinetika andPCRL, with the help of community organisations such as the Purfleet-On-Thames Community Forum and St Stephens Trust.
What exciting local projects are Kinetika currently working on?
Beach of Dreams! We will be engaging communities along the coast from Lowestoft to Tilbury and walking the 500-mile journey across 35 days with pop-up events at key moments. We hope to be able to extend this model along other stretches of coastline throughout 2022 and 2023, as a wider programme of national activity.
T100: On the 17th July, the Beach of Dreams walk will merge with T100, which in itself will see a number of events happen centred around the walking festival. In 2020, we worked in 7 hubs around the creation of 7 themed mandalas. In 2021, we wish to build on each activity and involve more people. Following reflective sessions with each hub in Autumn 2020, we identified a ‘draft’ set of values. In 2021, we are setting out to create a vision, underpinned by these values, leading to a set of principles on which we can base the new organisation with the aim of telling a new story for Thurrock and presenting it to the wider world in 2022. The T100 Finale will be held on 25th July at Tilbury Fort.
Kinetika are also working on projects further afield: in Milton Keynes (the Milton Keynes International Festival), Mottingham ‘Big Local’, Bloomsbury (the Patterns of Light project), Chelmsford (a walking festival similar to T100, to take place in 2022) and more.
Finally, how can Purfleet residents get involved with Kinetika’s projects?
You can find more information about all of Kinetika’s projects and how to get involved on the website: www.kinetika.co.uk
PCRL to speak at the Purfleet-on-Thames Community Forum virtual meeting, 26th January 2021
Representatives from PCRL will be joining local residents and business owners online for the next Purfleet-on-Thames Community Forum virtual meeting.
The meeting will be held online on Tuesday 26th January 2021, from 7:30pm and can be joined via Zoom (a video conference platform). Tune in to find out the latest updates for the Town Centre regeneration project, including Phase 1A which is now underway, and to find out more about the longer-term plans for an NHS Integrated Medical Centre (IMC) within Purfleet-on-Thames.
Tuesday 26th January 2021
7:30pm
Join the call via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85612356100
.jpg "Vegetation and tree clearance, Hollow Woods")
Vegetation and tree clearance, Hollow Woods
Purfleet Centre Regeneration Limited (PCRL) will be commencing vegetation and tree clearance works within Hollow Woods on the week commencing Monday 11 January 2021. archaeological investigations are due to take place from the week commencing Monday 25 January.
The works will take place during normal working hours (8am-6pm) and will be in line with the most recent Coronavirus (COVID-19) safe working practices, as outlined by the Government.
Both sets of work are due to be complete within four weeks.
This work is taking place as part the £1bn regeneration of Purfleet-on-Thames that will transform the town centre and riverfront, with upgraded transport links sitting alongside new homes, social infrastructure and a 1m sq. ft. creative complex.
Cornwall House car park to close from Monday 21 December 2020
Cornwall House car park in Purfleet-on-Thames will be closed permanently from Monday 21 December 2020 to facilitate works for Phase 1a of the town centre regeneration.
Alternative car parks are available within a 10-minute drive at:
The £1bn regeneration of Purfleet-on-Thames that will transform the town centre and riverfront, with upgraded transport links sitting alongside new homes, social infrastructure and a 1m sq. ft. creative complex.
More information can be found at: https://www.thurrock.gov.uk/car-parks/off-street-car-parks
Enquiries should be directed to: parking.pcn@thurrock.gov.uk
All media enquiries must be sent to communicationsteam@swan.org.uk
Purfleet-On-Thames Community Design Panel & PCRL present to the Community Forum (virtual) Meeting
Last night the Purfleet Regeneration Centre Limited (PCRL) team joined the Purfleet-On-Thames Community Design Panel (CDP) to jointly present at the first virtual Community Forum Meeting.
Last night the Purfleet Regeneration Centre Limited (PCRL) team joined the Purfleet-On-Thames Community Design Panel (CDP) to jointly present at the first virtual Community Forum Meeting.
Over 55 attendees joined the meeting, which was held online using Zoom. John Rowles, Chair of the Community Design Panel, opened the presentation by introducing the role that the CDP have played in shaping the redevelopment project so far, and how they will be involved going forwards - including monthly virtual meetings until face-to-face meetings can begin again. Those wishing to join the CDP should email John at: purfleetourcentre@gmail.com
Ken Dytor of Urban Catalyst kicked off the slides by encouraging us to take a step backwards, explaining how Purfleet fits into the wider growth plans for the Thames Estuary - including how PCRL are working with the Government and Local Councils to drive investment, employment, skills and opportunities in the Purfleet area.
Jason Robinson (PCRL) and Duncan Innes (Swan Nu Living) then spoke about progress to date, including the start of Phase 1A on site at the beginning of 2021 - involving 61 new homes being built of which 50% will be available via the Shared Ownership scheme, alongside community park and play area.
Gail Mayhew and Lloyd Spencer (AHMM Architects) ran the attendees through the Design Codes they have been developing with support from the Community Design Panel, and what these entail. Local residents wanting to get more involved with the shaping of these were encouraged to join the Community Design Panel as the project moves from high level masterplans to fine tuning the designs of what will be built.
Following them, Leighton Pace (Exterior Architecture) talked us through the green infrastructure planned for the scheme. Designed in partnership with RSPB and Buglife it aims to integrate diverse habitats and ecology into the regeneration project, to allow the local residents to live in harmony alongside wildlife.
Jason Robinson (PCRL) then described the next steps for the regeneration project, which will take ownership of the site from December 21st 2020, with plans to begin works on site for Phase 1A in January 2021.
If you missed the presentation or want to find out more about any of these updates, download the full presentation slides here.
.jpeg "Join the Community Forum tonight for a regeneration update from PCRL & Community Design Panel")
Join the Community Forum tonight for a regeneration update from PCRL & Community Design Panel
November's Purfleet-On-Thames Community Forum meeting is taking place online! Join the Community Forum online on Tuesday 24th November 2020 from 7:30-9:30pm for an update on all things Purfleet-On-Thames. Including a joint presentation from the PCRL team and the Community Design Panel with an update on the regeneration project to date, and the next steps.
Join the Meeting using Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87380108008
It's time to delve into your archives: Enter the Our Purfleet Nostalgia Competition
Did you grow up in Purfleet-On-Thames? Or did you raise your family here?
In partnership with the Purfleet-On-Thames Community Forum, we want you to delve back into your albums and archives. Send us your old photos and favourite memories to help us create a mini montage of what makes Purfleet-On-Thames a great place to live, work and socialise - then and now!
Send your entries to us by:
Competition closes on Monday 7th December at 12 noon.
All entries will be judged by Ken Dytor (of PCRL) and Trevor Batchelor (Vice Chair of the Community Forum and Trustee of the Purfleet Heritage & Military Centre), with the winner announced via our social media channels and on our website on Friday 11th December.
The best entry will win a £100 Marks & Spencer voucher, just in time to help with the Christmas shopping!
Please make sure you have the photographic rights to share any photographs entered. Full terms and conditions apply*.
*Terms and Conditions apply:
Shaping Our Purfleet: The Community Design Panel now meeting monthly (via video call) as regeneration works prepare to begin on site
The Community Design Panel are now meeting monthly (by video call) as the redevelopment progresses towards work beginning on site later in 2020. The last Community Design Panel meeting took place on Tuesday 20th October, held virtually via Zoom, and was attended by over 25 local residents and business owners who have all been integral to shaping the project.
The meeting was Chaired by John Rowles, with presenters including Garret Doran, Jason Robinson and Gail Mayhew on behalf of PCRL, Lloyd Spencer of architects AHMM, as well as Tessa O'Donnell and Leighton Pace of Exterior Architecture. During the meeting, the Panel had the opportunity to review the latest plans for green spaces within the development and feedback on those, as well as looking back and reviewing the key community asks that have informed the regeneration project and the masterplan since day one.
If you are a Purfleet-On-Thames resident and would like to join the Community Design Panel, please contact the Chair, John Rowles.
Community hoarding unveiled in Purfleet-on-Thames
Purfleet Centre Regeneration Limited (PCRL) has officially unveiled new hoarding that has been erected on London Road beside the railway station in Purfleet-on-Thames showcasing the vison for its £1bn regeneration of the town centre that will soon see work start on Phase 1A of the scheme, which will create 61 new homes. A new noticeboard for residents was also launched.
Sir Tim Laurence, Chairman of PCRL, and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning, Councillor Mark Coxshall, attended a socially distanced outdoor unveiling ceremony along with John Rowles, Chair of Purfleet-on-Thames Community Forum.
Purfleet-on-Thames Community Forum will manage the community noticeboard which has been installed alongside the hoarding to display key information on news and events for residents.
Sir Tim Laurence, Chairman of PCRL, said:
"The hoarding signifies Purfleet Centre Regeneration Limited's commitment to delivering this project in partnership with the local community - hence the provision of a noticeboard for local residents as part of the design - in creating a vibrant place for people to live, work, learn, socialise and invest, which is in harmony with its natural surroundings.
It shows the scale of our ambitious plans that will transform the town into a thriving riverside destination and world class creative hub while delivering much-needed new homes and infrastructure, making a real difference to people's lives. I am pleased that work will begin on the first phase later this year Purfleet Centre Regeneration Limited's commitment to realising these plans and to repaying the trust that the local community has placed in us."
John Rowles, Chair of The Purfleet Community Forum, stated:
"The Purfleet Community Forum has supported this project from the start. Together with Purfleet Centre Regeneration Limited, we are looking forward to how the scheme will make Purfleet-on-Thames a place where people will want to come and will want to stay to make it their home. A place that we are all proud of, a place to which we can point and say, that was our idea!"
Proposals for the redevelopment were submitted in 2018 by Thurrock Council, who are working with PCRL - a joint venture between Urban Catalyst and Swan Housing Association - to deliver the scheme which will create a world class creative hub on the River Thames surrounded by a new town centre with shops and restaurants, up to 2,850 new homes, an integrated medical centre, improved transport infrastructure, a new primary school and over 1,000,000 square feet of film and TV production studios. Later phases will deliver a new higher /further education campus providing high calibre education, with a focus on health and the creative arts.
Work on phase 1A of the scheme, consisting of 61 new high-quality family homes, a children's play area, and an orchard walk, is due to commence later this year. Over 50% of the homes will be available to purchase under the Shared Ownership scheme, which aims to make housing more affordable.
Pictured (from left to right): Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning, Councillor Mark Coxshall, Sir Tim Laurence, Chairman of PCRL and John Rowles, Chair of Purfleet-on-Thames Community Forum.
A look back at the T100 Walking Festival in Purfleet-On-Thames
Despite the social distancing restrictions and the windy weather, at the end of September we joined a fantastic celebration to mark the end of the #T100 Walking Festival in Purfleet On Thames. Due to restricted numbers to allow for social distancing, three of our team members flew the literal silk flag for PCRL - Ding Ding, Ken Dytor and Sam Wait.
We were extremely proud to fly our silk flag and share the exciting plans for
#Purfleet's regeneration with lots of local residents, as well as getting a glimpse of the new Purfleet Community Noticeboard which will become home to a variety of community news, updates and information.
During the T100 festival, local residents were encouraged to create mandalas - with no limits set on what was used to create them! On the day, this spectacular mandala was created using local produce, before it was blessed, bagged up and distributed to those in need.
A huge thank you to Kinetika for inviting us to take part, and to all those who participated in any way. Until next year!
Getting involved with the T100 Festival in Purfleet-On-Thames
When Kinetika asked us if we would like to participate in their T100 Festival this year, we jumped at the opportunity. This year, it was a Walking, Talking + Making Festival, centred around bringing local Community Groups into the Kinetika Studio to design and create a silk flag to represent them. These flags will then be displayed during the (socially-distanced) T100 Walking Festival event on 27th September, winding through Purfleet-On-Thames.
Our Purfleet team member Ding led the project for us, and we spoke to her to find out more about the process and what it meant to be involved...
There really is no place like Purfleet-On-Thames! Our lockdown competition winners
Through the lockdown this summer, we ran a 'There's No Place Like Purfleet-On-Thames' competition for the area's younger residents. The competition encouraged Under 18s to share the reasons why they love their home and surroundings in Purfleet-On-Thames, with two brand new laptops up for grabs as the prizes.
Our first online Community Engagement Event, 23rd June 2020
On Tuesday 23rd June we hosted our first online Community Engagement Event. Thank you to all those who joined and participated. If you were unable to attend the event, please find the presentation available to download below. To give your feedback on the three minor amendments which will be outlined as part of our Section 73 Application (to be made in August 2020), please fill out our feedback form here.
Join us on Tuesday 23 June 2020, 5:30-7pm, for an Online Community Engagement Event
Join us on Tuesday 23 June 2020, 5:30-7pm, for an Online Community Engagement Event. Watch a live presentation from PCRL, with guest speakers including AHMM (the architects working on the project), Thurrock Council's planning department and Kinetika (who are helping on the creative side of the scheme and have an exciting announcement to make).
Purfleet-on-Thames Creative Competition
Calling all under 18s – Purfleet-on-Thames Creative Competition
Win one of two brand new laptops!
Young people aged 5 to 18 years living in Purfleet-on-Thames have the chance to win one of two brand new laptops in a competition being run by Purfleet Centre Regeneration Limited (PCRL) - the development consortium leading the £1bn regeneration of the town.
Titled ‘There’s no place like Purfleet-on-Thames’, the competition asks Purfleet’s younger residents to demonstrate what they like most about living in the area with a photograph, poem, comic strip or other creative method.
To enter the competition, participants must share their submission to PCRL’s ‘Our Purfleet’ social media channels (Facebook, Twitter or Instagram) or alternatively submit their entry via email to garrett@ourpurfleet.com by the closing date of Monday 20 July 2020.
As prizes, there are two brand new laptops up for grabs, which will be awarded to the chosen winner of each category - entrants aged between 5-12 and those aged 13-18 years old. For younger residents without social media accounts, parents and guardians are encouraged to send in entries on their behalf.
The competition closes at 5pm on Monday 20 July 2020 and the winners will be announced on the OurPurfleet.com website and social media channels on Friday 24 July. The two winners will be chosen anonymously by a judging panel made up of PCRL Chairman, Sir Tim Laurence and Chief Officer and Co-founder of St Stephen’s Trust, Tracey Luck.
Terms and Conditions apply:
Upcoming site surveys, Church Hollow
Purfleet Centre Regeneration Limited (PCRL) will be conducting site surveys, including ecological studies, in the area of Harlow Cottage and Hollow Woods, Church Hollow on various dates from 11 June until 1 July (2020).
This work is taking place as part the £1bn regeneration of Purfleet-on-Thames that will transform the town centre and riverfront, with upgraded transport links sitting alongside new homes, social infrastructure and a 1m sq. ft. creative complex.
Most of the works will take place during normal working hours (8am-6pm), with a small number of observation studies happening at dawn and dusk. All the works will be in line with Coronavirus (COVID-19) safe working practices. There will be limited noise or disruption from the work.
If you have any questions about the works, please get in touch with Andrew Joyce. Email ajoyce@swan.org.uk or telephone 07719 964161.
You can find out more about the regeneration scheme at www.OurPurfleet.com
New images of £1bn Purfleet-on-Thames regeneration revealed
New images have been released showing how the £1bn regeneration of Purfleet-on-Thames will transform the town centre and riverfront, with upgraded transport links sitting alongside new homes, social infrastructure and a 1m sq. ft. creative complex.
Purfleet Centre Regeneration Limited (PCRL), a joint venture between mixed-use developer Urban Catalyst and Swan Housing Association, is driving the regeneration of Purfleet-on-Thames town centre in collaboration with Thurrock Council.
The illustrations released today have been created by award-winning architects AHMM, who are working on the overall masterplan, with drMM, that was originally put together by KSS and aLL Design.
The new images show indicative plans for the new train station, which will be overhauled as part of the regeneration, and the entrances to the new 1,000,000 sq. ft. media village, which will include TV studios where live shows can be filmed in front of a public audience. The renditions also show some of the thousands of homes that will be built.
Once completed, the £1bn regeneration will deliver a new town centre complete with shops and restaurants. Up to 2,850 new homes will be provided as well, alongside an integrated medical centre, improved transport infrastructure and a new primary school.
The plans, approved in April last year, also include a 1m sq. ft. ‘media village’ to support the UK’s booming TV and film industry. This will help Purfleet-on-Thames on its journey to becoming a leading creative hub, with the town already home to High House Production Park and Royal Opera House production workshop.
Later phases could include the delivery of a new Higher Education/Further Education campus, creating a groundbreaking education facility with a focus on key sectors, such as the creative arts and health or logistics.
Last month, the government announced it was pledging £75m to support the redevelopment as part of the Housing Infrastructure Fund. The funding will be used to provide vital infrastructure and plans could include replacing the level crossing with a bridge over the railway and a new health centre, river wall, drainage and other important utility infrastructure.
The green light was given to the regeneration’s first phase in January, consisting of 61 new high-quality family homes, a children’s play area, and an orchard walk. This phase will reinstate public access to Hollow Woods and will form part of the 2.36-hectare development which has been designed to enhance the green links to Purfleet’s Conservation Area. Preliminary works are anticipated to start on site later in 2020.
Urban Catalyst specialises in social infrastructure and complex mixed-use urban regeneration projects. Set up by industry veteran Ken Dytor of Urban Catalyst, the firm behind a string of successful projects, including the Bermondsey Square development in London, which delivered new retail, hotel and offices alongside performing arts space and art house cinema.
Swan Housing Association is one of the largest housing providers in Essex and East London, with over 11,000 homes under management and a further 8,500 homes in the pipeline, including the 2,850 planned for Purfleet-on-Thames.
Sir Tim Laurence, chairman of PCRL, said: “These latest images show the scale of our ambition for Purfleet-on-Thames, from transforming the riverfront to upgrading the train station and delivering thousands of homes. This is on top of a new school and integrated medical centre for local residents as well as a media village that will see the town emerge as a leading creative hub capable of supporting Britain’s booming film and TV industry.”
Coronavirus (COVID-19) – our response
We know that this is a worrying and uncertain time for everyone. We wanted to reassure you that at PRCL the safety and wellbeing of our staff and contractors and of the residents of Purfleet is our priority. We have been working very hard to create the right responses to what is clearly a fast-moving situation and we have followed government advice on this issue to date and will continue to do so.
In line with Government advice our team are continuing to work on the regeneration of Purfleet from home using technology to make sure we keep the project, which we know is important to the community of Purfleet, moving forward. You will understand that the current restrictions mean that we will need to delay face to face activity for the time being. However, we will reschedule this activity as soon as we are able to do so.
In the meanwhile, as well as working virtually on the project we are, with the support of Thurrock Council, intending to continue with the site investigation activity at the Purfleet regeneration site. This is on the basis that this work will only proceed if our consultants and contractors are satisfied that their teams can continue to deliver this work in a way which complies with Government guidance and health and safety guidelines. However, this will be kept under review in light of further advice from the Government and will be amended as necessary to ensure the health and safety of all involved.
The whole team here at PCRL send you our support and look forward to meeting you again very soon but in the meantime we are always at the end of a phone or email.
JV behind £1bn Purfleet-on-Thames regeneration welcomes £75 million government funding boost
• Chancellor announces £75m of funding for Purfleet-on-Thames regeneration
• Housing Infrastructure Fund is designed to support key regions across the country
• Purfleet-on-Thames will soon be home to world-class creative hub as well as 2,850 new homes
Purfleet Centre Regeneration Ltd (PCRL) has welcomed the Chancellor’s pledge for £75m of Housing Infrastructure Funding to support the £1bn regeneration of Purfleet-on-Thames town centre, which will help transform the Essex town into a world class creative hub.
The funding will be used to provide vital infrastructure including replacing the level crossing with a bridge over the railway and a new health centre, river wall, drainage and other important utility infrastructure.
Bid proposals for the redevelopment were submitted in 2018 by Thurrock Council, who are working with development partner PCRL, a joint venture between Swan Housing Association and mixed-use regeneration and social infrastructure specialists Urban Catalyst.
Together, the two organisations are creating a vibrant new riverside community in Purfleet-on-Thames.
Once completed, the £1bn regeneration will deliver a new town centre complete with shops and restaurants. Up to 2,850 new homes will be provided as well, alongside an integrated medical centre, improved transport infrastructure and a new primary school.
The plans, approved in April last year, also include a 1m sq. ft. ‘media village’ to support the UK’s booming TV and film industry. This will help Purfleet-on-Thames on its journey to becoming a leading creative hub, already being home to High House Production Park and Royal Opera House production workshop.
Later phases will deliver a new university campus creating a world-class education facility with a focus on health and the creative arts.
The green light was given to the regeneration’s first phase in January, consisting of 61 new high-quality family homes, a children’s play area, and an orchard walk. This phase will reinstate public access to Hollow Woods and will form part of the 2.36 hectare development which has been designed to enhance the green links to Purfleet’s Conservation Area. Preliminary works are anticipated to start on site this summer.
Urban Catalyst specialises in social infrastructure and complex mixed-use urban regeneration projects. Set up by industry veteran Ken Dytor, the firm is behind a string of successful projects, including the Bermondsey Square development in London, which delivered new retail, hotel and offices alongside performing arts space and art house cinema.
Swan Housing Association is one of the largest housing providers in Essex and East London, with over 11,000 homes under management and a further 8,500 homes in the pipeline, including the 2,850 planned for Purfleet-on-Thames.
Sir Tim Laurence, Chairman of PCRL, said: "The Chancellor’s pledge of £75M towards key elements of the regeneration of Purfleet-on-Thames, including a bridge over the railway, a new Integrated medical centre and other social infrastructure, is a huge vote of confidence. It demonstrates that infrastructure investment is not just about the big flagship projects like HS2, it’s also about making a real difference to peoples’ lives here in the Thames Estuary and in other regions of UK. This is a prime example of the Government, Local Authority and private sector working together at all levels to unlock the huge growth potential in this fast-developing area.”
.jpg "Purfleet Centre Regeneration Limited given green light for 61 new high-quality family homes in Purfleet")
Purfleet Centre Regeneration Limited given green light for 61 new high-quality family homes in Purfleet
Planning permission was granted for 61 high-quality family homes close to the train station in Purfleet at Thursday night’s (9 January 2020) Planning Committee of Thurrock Council. These new homes mark the first phase the £1 billion regeneration of the town centre and will create a gateway to the wider masterplan, connecting existing Purfleet with the new development and ensuring the whole community benefits.
The project is being delivered by joint venture partners, Swan Housing Association and Urban Catalyst, which together form Purfleet Centre Regeneration Limited (PCRL).
Phase one, which will consist of a mix of spacious two, three and four bedroom homes, is close to the railway station, with access to both the town centre and wider community spaces. Up to 30% of the homes will be available to purchase under the Government’s Shared Ownership scheme, which aims to make getting on the housing ladder more affordable. Work on the 61 homes is due to commence in spring/summer 2020.
This phase will also include a children’s play area, orchard walk and reinstate public access to Hollow Woods, and will form part of the 2.36 hectare development which has been designed to enhance the green links to Purfleet’s Conservation Area.
A minimum of 94 parking spaces - equating to 1.5 spaces per household - will also be provided, while much of the existing woodland will be retained so residents can enjoy the green space with the aim of creating a healthier, more active community.
Architecture is also deliberately in keeping with the woodland setting, reflecting the style of homes in the surrounding Conservation Area by making use of timber effect and Flint Gabions.
These new homes form part of the £1 billion planned regeneration of the town centre that will see PCRL, with local partner Thurrock Council, create a vibrant centre with shops, community amenities including a new health centre, improved railways and transport facilities, housing and job opportunities.
PCRL’s ambitious regeneration plans also encompass a state-of-the-art media village and entertainment studios, with the vison for Purfleet, which is already home to the High House Production Park, to become an international creative hub within the Thames Gateway.
Outline planning permission for the £1billion masterplan was granted by Thurrock Council in April last year.
Sir Tim Laurence, Chairman of PCRL, said:
“We are excited to commence this project, which will form part of the wider regeneration of Purfleet, creating a vibrant place for people to live, work, learn, socialise and invest, and which is in harmony with its natural surroundings.
“The first phase is an opportunity to demonstrate PCRL’s commitment to realising our ambitious plans and to repaying the trust that the local community have placed in us.
“We look forward to continuing to work closely with local residents - who have provided vital local knowledge and support in the development of our masterplan - to create a thriving Purfleet for everyone.”
Purfleet Demolition
The Council in partnership with development partner PCRL are committed to move forward with ambitious plans to regenerate the centre of Purfleet.
Part of these plans include the removal of empty / unused properties in Council ownership to make way for much needed new homes and road infrastructure.
In order to do this, you may have noticed that we have recently demolished a number of empty and vandalised houses in Purfleet, specifically number 1 to 11 Botany Cottages situated along London Road, close to the Purfleet train station. We are pleased to tell you that further demolitions of numbers 1 to 4 Railway Cottage will be completed over the next few weeks.
Safety during demolition is important, so hoarding of the site has already began.
As we move forward with our regeneration plans, the Council in partnership with PCRL want to work with the community and keep you informed every step of the way. We will update this section of the OurPurfleet.com website as and when we can.
Topographical survey of the Phase 1A area
We are currently undertaking a topographical survey of the Phase 1A area and wanted to let you know the intended dates for the work. We have some initial vegetation clearance work to do, which has been agreed with the Council and will follow the routes that were cleared previously through the woods.
As a result no large trees will be cut down (with the focus on removing bramble, etc) so the work does not require planning permission. Once this is complete the survey work will start on the following dates:
• Vegetation clearance will be on site Friday 11 October for four to five days (excluding weekend)
• Topographical survey will be on site Wednesday 16 October for eight days
Thank you to everyone who visited us on the stand at the Orsett Show
Thank you to everyone who visited us on the stand at the Orsett Show. There were a huge amount of visitors to the event- around 12,000!
The team had a fantastic time at the Orsett Show meeting lots of different people, and we gave out well over 500 Purfleet on Thames branded items (trolley coins, phone pops and cotton shopper bags) and had hundreds of discussions. That’s hundreds of people who now know something, or maybe a bit more about our plans. And with all the branded items being seen around Thurrock, we know there will plenty of conversation starters asking “what’s Purfleet on Thames?”.
The Purfleet Community Forum were delighted as they were able to promote their petition for the change of name.
We are already looking forward to next year’s Orsett Show, and will let you know further details closer to the date in 2020.
Say hello to us at the Orsett Show
We are delighted to announce we will be attending the Orsett Show on Saturday 7 September, talking to visitors about the £1bn regeneration in Purfleet. We will have a stand with goodies to give away, and information on the exciting scheme, and you can also pledge your support while there. The team will all be wearing Purfleet badges, so please do say hello!
For more details, go to www.orsettshow.co.uk
.jpg "Pupils at Purfleet Primary School win Art Competition")
Pupils at Purfleet Primary School win Art Competition
Purfleet Primary School and three of its pupils were presented with top prizes yesterday after entering Purfleet Centre Regeneration Limited’s art competition drawing what they think the town will look like following the £1billion regeneration called Purfleet on Thames.
The competition encouraged children to think about how they would like to see Purfleet in the future. Using their artistic flair and imagination they were given the choice of using any materials to create their work of art to express their vision.
Mr E Samuel, Purfleet Primary School’s Headteacher, said: ‘We are delighted to have been selected as the winning school- and this is all down to our pupils who took the time to use their creativity and put pen to paper! We’re proud of all the finalists and congratulate everyone who entered. Our prize money of £250 will be put towards art resources.’
Ken Dytor, PCRL founder, said: “It’s an exciting time for Purfleet and we are thrilled with how many children entered the competition- it was great to see how they visualise what their town will look like. We had some incredibly creative entries and choosing two runners up and a winner proved difficult. We know the winner will love the Amazon Kindle Fire 7 Kids Edition and hope Purfleet Primary School can put the £250 to good use.”
The first prize for the pupil is an Amazon Kindle Fire 7 Kids Edition (worth £100), and the school of the winning entry will win £250 for resources. Two pupils will also be awarded a runner up prize of £25 vouchers each, with all finalists receiving Crayola pencils.
The Purfleet on Thames scheme will bring the following to the Essex town:
• A new town centre with shops, restaurants and great public spaces
• A new medical centre, new primary school and new community facilities
• New parks and leisure spaces
• An improved railway station and transport facilities
• A new University campus focusing on healthcare, creative and business entrepreneurship (in later phases)
• State of the art film, TV and media studios facility
• Up to 2,850 new homes
Thurrock Council approves major £1bn Purfleet town centre regeneration
Thurrock Council has given the green light for Purfleet on Thames, a £1bn regeneration project that will see thousands of new homes created in Purfleet, a new town centre and a media and creative industries hub established.
The plans, submitted by Purfleet Centre Regeneration Ltd (PCRL), a joint venture between Urban Catalyst and Swan Housing Association chaired by Sir Tim Laurence, were unanimously granted outline planning permission by Thurrock Council’s Planning Committee last night (Thursday 25 April) and will deliver the following in the town:
• Up to 2,850 homes to be delivered alongside shops, restaurants, a medical centre and community facilities
• A new town centre with upgraded rail station and improved riverside areas and access that will help transform Purfleet into a new destination
• A new primary school
• A state of the art media village
• New parks and leisure spaces
The scheme has the broad support of the local community who have been extensively involved in framing the masterplan and the local Community Forum were vocal at last night’s committee in support of the scheme (which was recognised with a national award for Best Public Participation in 2018).
Purfleet on Thames will deliver up to up to 2,850 new homes alongside a new town centre with shops, restaurants and new public spaces such as a local parks and access to the new riverfront.
Also within the proposals is a 1,000,000 sq. ft. film, TV and creative industries complex which together with the other commercial uses proposed will create over 2,000 new high value jobs for local people.
Residents of Purfleet will further benefit from an improved railway station and transport facilities, with Purfleet less than a 30-minute train ride from central London, plus a new health centre and two new schools.
National recognition for Our Purfleet
We are delighted to have picked up a national award for putting the community at the heart of our £1billion plans to transform Purfleet.
Thurrock Council and Purfleet Centre Regeneration Limited (PCRL) won the Best public participation award at the 14th annual Brownfield Briefing Awards.
The award came in recognition of the approach that has been taken to working in partnership with the community to shape the Purfleet proposals and build support for the project, including closely involving the Purfleet Community Forum, regularly consulting the community and establishing a resident-led Purfleet Community Design Panel.
Cllr Mark Coxshall, portfolio holder for Regeneration, said: “We are all very excited by the proposals for Purfleet and the chance to create new opportunities for our residents, including 2,850 much-needed new homes and a new town centre.
“The council and PCRL have shown a strong commitment to community engagement throughout the project and I am delighted that has been acknowledged with this award.
“Another thing we have really prided ourselves on with the Purfleet scheme is a real infrastructure-first approach, which will now set the template for future major developments in Thurrock.”
Ken Dytor, chairman of Urban Catalyst and founding director of PCRL, developer of the Purfleet scheme, said: “This is fantastic recognition of the value of collaboration and underlines the progressive approach Thurrock Council has taken to support our regeneration plans.
"The council’s long-term vision and its willingness to invest in a once-in-a-generation opportunity to revitalise an important part of the South East is a shining example of what Britain needs to do to reinvigorate communities, creating new jobs and homes.”
John Rowles, Chairman of the Purfleet Community Forum and Purfleet Community Design Panel, added: “I am really pleased the forum has had the opportunity to be so heavily involved in the development of this exciting scheme and that the value of good quality community engagement has been recognised with this award.”
Commuters Pledge their Support
The PCRL team were at Purfleet C2C train station bright and early this morning offering commuters bottled water for their journey- we had 500 bottles, and by 8am they had all been given out! We were delighted by the overwhelmingly positive response from Purfleet commuters, whom we hope will now sign up online to pledge their support for our exciting plans for Purfleet on Thames!
We want to express our thanks to John and Trevor from the Purfleet Community Forum for their support today.
Pledge your support for Purfleet on Thames at the C2C train station
Purfleet Centre Regeneration Limited (PCRL) will be offering complimentary bottled water to C2C morning commuters at Purfleet station on Thursday 26 July, giving details of their £1billion regeneration project called Purfleet on Thames for the town.
PCRL Launches Local Art Competition for Junior Schools In Purfleet and Surrounding Areas
PCRL (Purfleet Centre Regeneration Limited) have launched a local art competition for children aged seven to 11 years old in Purfleet and close surrounding areas. The theme of the art competition is ‘#OurPurfleet – Our Future!’. PCRL in partnership with Thurrock Council, is delivering Purfleet on Thames as a new riverside destination and PCRL want to really get the young people engaged with what this might mean for them!
The first prize for the pupil is an Amazon Kindle Fire 7 Kids Edition, and the school of the winning entry will win £250 for resources. Two pupils will also be awarded a runners up prize of £25 vouchers each. Full T&Cs are here.
Purfleet on Thames features in New London Architecture Exhibition and Research
Purfleet Centre Regeneration Limited (PCRL, a joint venture with Urban Catalyst and Swan Housing) are delighted to announce that Purfleet on Thames features in NLA’s (New London Architecture) Knowledge Capital Exhibition and Research piece which focuses on “making places for education, innovation and health.” For more information click here
Zone 1A Proposals
View OurPurfleet’s proposals for the development of Zone 1A.
Download Zone 1A Proposal here
download large image here
Purfleet’s £1 billion regeneration takes an exciting leap forward!
Today it has been announced that Purfleet Centre Regeneration Limited (“PCRL”) have, following extensive consultation and with the support of the local community in Purfleet, submitted an application for outline planning permission for their £1billion regeneration scheme for Purfleet ahead of schedule.
The application makes the scale of this regeneration clear – when completed Purfleet will have a new town centre with retail and leisure facilities, an upgraded rail station, an Integrated Medical Centre, new educational institutions and one million square feet of film and TV studios, delivered by Quartermaster Holdings, in addition to around 2,800 new homes and great public spaces for residents to enjoy.
Priorities in the early stages of the development will be a bridge over the railway line to replace the level crossing, new road connections, additional school places, an Integrated Medical Centre, a children’s play area, improvements to the riverfront walkway, as well as new shops, cafés, restaurants and homes.
PCRL was set up to deliver this exciting regeneration project with Urban Catalyst as Development Managers. Recently it was announced that Swan Housing Association had become a partner in PCRL and, together with Urban Catalyst, have been working to accelerate the delivery of this much-anticipated regeneration.
Sir Tim Laurence, Chair of PCRL stated:
“We are delighted to have now submitted our outline planning application to Thurrock Council. The plans documented in this application are the result of many years of work and have been shaped by our discussions with the local community, local stakeholders and industry experts.
This regeneration represents a unique opportunity for us to help the local community transform Purfleet. We will bring many new opportunities to the area building on the Town’s history, it’s waterfront location and its existing cultural expertise. We are confident that these plans, if approved, will not only transform Purfleet but will ensure Thurrock’s role as a key part of the Thames Gateway region. We aim to deliver a brighter future for everyone living and working in the Borough.
We would like to thank everyone who has supported our scheme and would urge those who want to see a new future for Purfleet to let Thurrock Council know through the planning process!”
Katya Baker, Founder and MD of Quartermaster Holdings commented:
“It is a great privilege to be working with award winning consultants and indeed PCRL in making Purfleet a place of excellence. Quartermaster Holdings together with PCRL will be delivering significant new film and TV capacity with extensive post production facilities. It will be built from the ground up, by industry, for industry to create one of the UK’s largest and leading media facilities to help address the growing crisis of the lack of studio capacity in the UK. Combined with the existing High House Production Park, Purfleet is in the heart of The Thames Estuary Production Corridor, a new initiative by the Mayor of London and SELEP backing the UK’s ever vibrant and growing creative industry.”
John Rowles, Chair of The Purfleet Community Forum & Design Panel stated:
“The Purfleet Community Forum and the Purfleet Design Panel have supported this project from the start. Together with PCRL, we have involved not only the grownups but the youngsters as well and over the last 18 months we have guided PCRL, told them what we want and helped them design a town out of a very tired village that was all but forgotten. We will continue this work until the job is done.
This Planning Application is the start of making Purfleet place where people will want to come and will want to stay to make it their home. A place that we are all proud of, a place to which we can point and say, that was our idea!”
For more information visit www.ourpurfleet.com
Media Contact:
E: swancomms@swan.org.uk
T: 0300 303 2500
About Swan Housing Association: www.swan.org.uk
Swan Housing Association was first formed in 1994 and has provided high-quality affordable homes to rent and buy for over almost a quarter of a century. Today Swan operates in East London and Essex and locally manages over 11,000 homes, with a secured development pipeline of over 3,500 homes, a pipeline which is increasing to over 6,000 now that we are working on the Purfleet Regeneration. Swan was recently awarded What House? Housing Association of the Year 2017 and has been recognised as one of the Top 100 Not for Profit companies to work for in the UK by the Sunday Times.
Swan’s mission is to “deliver effective services, enterprising solutions and exemplary homes and communities" whilst continuing to provide excellent housing services that meet the challenging needs of the communities of East London and Essex, delivering neighbourhoods that are healthy, vibrant and sustainable.
On 31 October 2017 Swan became a joint venture partner in Purfleet Centre Regeneration Ltd (PCRL) with Urban Catalyst as Development Managers for the £1bn hhousing-ledregeneration of Purfleet town centre which will include a film and production studios delivered by Quartermaster Holdings.
About Urban Catalyst: www.urbancatalyst.co.uk
Urban Catalyst is a mixed-use real estate development firm, established in 1998, with a strong history of delivering public - private projects exemplified by high-quality design and the creation of sustainable urban communities where people want to live. The firm’s experience as a master developer coupled with their understanding of the public sector means they can provide communities with flexible schemes that specifically meet their needs and provides wide socio-economic benefits. In many ways, Urban Catalyst bridges the gap between the public and private sectors in urban regeneration. Founded by Ken Dytor, who continues as Executive Chairman.
About Quartermaster
The Quartermaster Studios development is media village featuring several film stages and production suites that is part of a wider regeneration scheme by the Purfleet Centre Regeneration Limited.
Quartermaster was founded to answer calls from a market demand in media production and to embrace complimentary brands in creating London’s first future proofed entertainment and media community within the UK’s leading and largest studio facility. Media content production is increasing exponentially, in part due to the expanding number of platforms of delivery through the advent of smart devices and advances in content distribution technology.
The media creative teams in the UK, notably recognised as internationally best in class, are in high demand and there is a growing need to develop the next generation of media creative workforce required to meet the demand in production.
An historic moment for Purfleet redevelopment
The £1billion Purfleet regeneration project takes another step forward on Monday (4 December).
In the first phase of the ambitious project, there will be:
- a bridge over the railway line to replace the level crossing
- new road connections
- additional school places
- an integrated medical centre
- a children’s play area
- improvements to the riverfront walkway
- new shops, cafés and restaurants
When the whole scheme is completed, there will be:
- a new rail station
- 2,850 new homes
- spaces for new businesses
- more open spaces for residents to enjoy
Keltbray, contractors working on behalf of Thurrock Council and Purfleet Centre Regeneration Limited, will be arriving in Purfleet to set up a site office ahead of the planning application being submitted before Christmas.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Rob Gledhill, said: "This is an important first milestone in the project and an historic moment for the town – this marks the start of the transformation of Purfleet.
"I am delighted that we have been able to get plans into action, not just talking about improving Purfleet but actually making it happen.
"The redevelopment of Purfleet will not only benefit the residents in the area, but the borough as a whole. Working with our partners, we will deliver this exciting project."
Cllr Mark Coxshall, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, welcomed the news: "After years of planning, consulting and designing, residents will soon see fencing and site cabins going up ahead of the investigation works starting.
"No planning permission is required for these investigation works and the good news is that we will receive the actual outline planning application in December, nearly two months ahead of the original timescale.
"This scheme has been fully developed with Purfleet residents and for Purfleet residents. I’m looking forward to seeing diggers on site and us getting on with delivering this much-anticipated regeneration scheme."
The investigation works will last for around 10 weeks and will be conducted between Mondays and Fridays from 8am to 5pm. Residents and businesses in the local area will receive further information delivered to their property.
For more information about regeneration in Purfleet, go to thurrock.gov.uk/purfleet-growth
Download the Community information leaflet here.
RELEASE JANUARY 15th 2016:
Thurrock Council: Exciting plans for town
"Purfleet will be transformed," said Thurrock Council Leader, Cllr John Kent on Thursday (14 January) after the development agreement between the council and the Purfleet Centre Regeneration Ltd (PCRL) was signed.
The agreed proposals include around 2,500 homes, 600,000ft2 film and television studios, a new primary school, a new health centre, new shops, removing the level crossing and a brand new railway station.
Cllr Kent said: "There has been an unbelievable amount of work which has gone into creating these plans both by the council and PCRL and their partners.
"This is a really exciting time and over the next few years we will see Purfleet emerge as a wonderful new town centre with top-quality modern facilities.
"And when I say exciting, I mean exciting for people who live and work here now, not just the newcomers. People living in Purfleet today will benefit from all the new facilities, including a new school, a health centre, new shops, and not having to wait at the level crossing to get in and out of town."
The council's portfolio holder for regeneration, Cllr Richard Speight, added: "People often talk down our borough and our plans, but no more.
"The development agreement has now been signed by all the parties, the legal processes are over and over 2016 we will see all the planning applications coming through and some remedial work being carried out.
"But in 2017 the first phase will start to rise – and that includes the school, the health centre and the supermarket.
"We will also see access to the Thames being opened up in this phase of the development as well as hundreds of riverside homes, new public squares, new streets, new pathways, new right of ways, and new publicly accessible open spaces."
Ken Dytor, managing director of Urban Catalyst and joint founder of PCRL added: "Our number one focus is on creating a genuinely accessible and life-changing scheme, providing affordable homes for families and a mix of uses in a true sustainable environment.
"The support of Thurrock Council in creating this scheme is creating a new standard in public private partnership."
Cllr Kent said: "We have seen the new jobs being created at London Gateway and the Port of Tilbury; we have seen real improvements to Grays; we will see major and exciting changes at Lakeside and at the Thames Enterprise Park and, of course, we have created a thriving cultural hub at High House in Purfleet and now we can start setting out the timeline for bringing change to the rest of Purfleet."
Source: https://www.thurrock.gov.uk/news/purfleet-growth/exciting-plans-for-town
