Thurrock council today began the search for a developer for a £950m 15-year regeneration of Purfleet in Essex.
The council is looking for a partner to help develop 3,000 homes along with a new community hub centre, a school, a health centre and shops.
The council says the total development cost will be in region of £750m to £950m. A tender notice was published today in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Thurrock intends to shortlist up to six bidders, which it will then whittle down to three. Detailed negotiations will then take place before a winner is chosen.
The council currently owns the freehold interest of around 71 acres of land within the project boundary.
It has made an in-principle resolution to use compulsory acquisition powers, should they be required, for extra property, rights and interests to deliver its vision for Purfleet.
The OJEU notice said: “The selected partner will be expected to give financial support to the council toward the costs of land acquisition, remediation and infrastructure provision in order to facilitate the delivery of the project.
“The quantum and phasing of such financial contributions are to be determined through the competitive dialogue process.
“The successful partner will also need to demonstrate that they have the experience, skills and resources to deliver a project of this scale and complexity.
“They will be expected to take a lead role in the shaping and refinement of the emerging vision for the project, be responsible for leading the development and take full management responsibility for the scheme.”
The council took on responsibility for the regeneration from the now-dissolved Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation in March 2012.
An outline planning application has already been lodged.
nick.whitten@estatesgazette.com
