Thames Enterprise Park, a JV between Greenergy and iSec, has submitted an outline planning application to Thurrock Council to transform the former Coryton Oil Refinery into a new superhub, providing five million square ft of commercial development in the Thames Estuary.
Thames Enterprise Park is set to be one of the largest regeneration projects in Northern Europe and is expected to create up to 4,500 jobs including skilled engineering and apprenticeship opportunities. The multi-modal site is located adjacent to London Gateway Port and benefits from direct access to the river, a rail freight interchange and first class road links to London.
Greenergy and iSec bring complementary experience to this project, iSec having a track record in delivering large-scale, complex industrial property developments and Greenergy providing expertise in advanced biofuels as well as connectivity through Thames Oilport for fuel distribution.
The largest part of the site is to be a dedicated Food Hub bringing together – for the first time – processing, packaging, storage and distribution. A range of innovative super-warehouses are proposed, with highly automated, commercial units of up to one million sq ft located off a central boulevard.
Chris Brookhouse, Chief Executive of Thames Enterprise Park, said:
“The sheer scale of the site, our ability to create large, multi-floor facilities and the level of automation on offer combine to create exciting opportunities for occupiers to streamline their supply chains. This is a unique opportunity for food operators and e-retailers to cluster just 30 miles from London.”
Another key area will be the Energy Park, which offers an ideal location for a new breed of renewable fuel and energy producers. Chris explained:
“Changes to renewable fuel supply obligations in the UK mean there will be a growing requirement for advanced biofuels produced using innovative technologies. We will be drawing on Greenergy’s expertise in this area to help create an incubator space for sustainable energy within Thames Enterprise Park. With Thames Oilport adjacent to the site, there are unique opportunities to help bring developmental fuels to market.”
Thames Enterprise Park will also include a Sustainable Industries Hub, a focal point for small and medium sized businesses to research and develop new technologies and techniques for the energy and food logistics industries, and an Amenity Hub.
Centrally located within the development, the Amenity Hub will be a high-tech environment connecting business, community, education and research to ensure Thames Enterprise Park and Thurrock is at the cutting edge for decades to come. It will be a destination to be enjoyed by both employees and the wider community and will include restaurants, a crèche and a mobility concierge service.
The proposals have undergone an extensive review and consultation process with the local authority, statutory consultees, CABE and the general public, including a public consultation event last year. Submission of the planning application is the next stage in the delivery of Thames Enterprise Park.
Considerable progress has already been made to prepare the site for the development, including securing planning consent for the remediation of the first phase of around 100 acres, which is due to commence later this year.
