A long-running £950m regeneration plan for Purfleet town centre in Essex took a step forward this week as the search for a developer began.
Thurrock council has launched a search for a partner to develop 3,000 homes, a community hub, a school, a health centre and shops on the 71-acre site over 15 years.
The council intends to compile a shortlist of up to six bidders, which it will then whittle down to three. Detailed negotiations will then take place before a development partner is chosen.
Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation first drew up a masterplan for Purfleet in 2006. But TTGDC was phased out by the coalition government this year as part of its 2010 plans to scrap England’s regional development agencies.
Thurrock council took control of the Purfleet scheme in March. An outline planning application has already been submitted. A decision is due in October.
It has made an in-principle resolution for compulsory purchases of additional land and property should it be required.
Capita Symonds, Urban Initiatives, CBRE and Supporta Terraquest are advising Thurrock council.
