Aspirational plans to transform Tilbury have been awarded £22.8m of funding as part of the Government’s Towns Fund scheme.
The ambitious proposals by Tilbury Towns Fund Board were submitted earlier this year following support and input from the local community. Following the funding announcement, Thurrock Council will develop viable business cases to progress ideas outlined in the Tilbury Town Investment Plan.
Chair of Tilbury Towns Fund Board, Peter Ward, said: “The transformational projects put forward in the bid have been shaped by residents and local businesses, people who live and work in Tilbury. I’m excited to see how the proposals develop and the significant difference they will make across the entire town for generations to come.”
Cllr Mark Coxshall, Cabinet member for Regeneration, Strategic Planning and External Relationships at Thurruck Council, said: “We would like to thank the Government for recognising Tilbury’s historic importance and future potential, not only for the borough but also the entire region. This funding will help us transform Tilbury, keeping the needs of its community at the forefront of its regeneration.”
The plan submitted by the board aims to reconnect the town to the river with suggested schemes such as a new jetty to help extend river bus services and steps to open up Tilbury beach to create better access, and restoring the historic ‘landside’ access to Tilbury Fort, allowing easier access to this ancient monument and to Coalhouse Fort.
Other proposals include a state-of-the-art youth facility and vast improvements across the entire town to restore its station hub and transform its civic heart, celebrating Tilbury’s rich heritage and future proofing the town for generations to come.
Kevin Sadler, CEO of The Gateway Learning Community and Advisory Town Board member, said: “I am delighted by the announcement as this will be a game-changer for Tilbury. I am particularly excited that the fund hopes to establish a fantastic, state-of-the-art youth facility that will bring much needed leisure, learning and careers support to our young people. It will be a beacon for opportunity and excellence that everyone in Tilbury can be truly proud of.”
To date the Tilbury Towns Fund Board has provided new recreational equipment and digital infrastructure for Tilbury Youth Club, and is currently installing new outdoor fitness and parkour areas at King George playing field and Anchor Fields Park and fitness trails stretching over 8km.
Collectively the Government has invested £42.7m into Thurrock as part of the Towns Fund with Grays Town Centre receiving £19.9m.
Header image shows an artist impression of possible improvements of St. Andrew’s Road.
