An ambitious new regeneration project for Tilbury and Grays has attracted a host of big money bidders, Thurrock Council heard at its full council meeting.

Mark Coxshall, cabinet member for regeneration told the council of a number of different projects including an improvement project in Grays which would see new foot crossing under the rail line in High Street.

The project, which has been awarded £10.8million from the local growth fund was described as more than 'just talk' by Mr Coxshall.

He said: "We have hired a dedicated project manager, we will be tendering for a design team to explore the appearance of the project while working closely with Network Rail’s technical design teams.

"Work has already begun in acquiring the property needed in the immediate area.

“Work is being continued over the next year to see the end of the one-way system around the town centre.”

Mr Coxshall also told the council about a number of improvement works that are being suggested currently.

He said: “Thurrock’s growth agenda continues to be one of the most ambitious in the country.

"Through this ‘open for business’ approach, we have already attracted a number of large scale regeneration projects including London Distribution Park at the Port of Tilbury, the continuing investment at DP World London Gateway, Thames Enterprise Park, Purfleet Port and the expansion of Lakeside.”

Mr Coxshall updated the council on the progress of the already agreed Tilbury Masterplan.

He said: "We have made significant progress in our long-term plans for Tilbury. This includes new a health service building opening in 2020, which will mean residents of Tilbury not having to track to Orsett or Basildon for hospital services.”

“There are three ‘nationally significant infrastructure projects’ in the area, and the masterplan harnesses the opportunities those bring to secure better public spaces, improved roads, integrated sustainable transport provisions along with additional residential areas.”

“In 2016 to 2017, the council’s development management team ranked fourth out of 339 local authorities nationally for the speed in determining planning applications. 

"This is a record to be proud of and is crucial in demonstrating that Thurrock is ‘open for business’.”