Major Purfleet regeneration given green light

The £1bn Purfleet regeneration scheme, which will include a film and TV studio complex, has received outline planning permission from Thurrock Council’s planning committee.

The regeneration plans were submitted by Purfleet Centre Regeneration Limited (PCRL), a joint venture between Urban Catalyst and Swan Housing Association.

The Purfleet on Thames project includes a 93,000m² film and TV studio complex as well as up to 2,850 homes, alongside shops, restaurants, a medical centre, two schools and community facilities.

The scheme is expected to create around 2,200 new jobs, as well as other opportunities and community improvements for existing residents.

Ken Dytor, PCRL founder and Executive Chairman of Urban Catalyst said: “This development will tap into the power of culture, creative industries and healthy living.

“The approval is the result of many years of work and has been shaped by our detailed engagement with the local community and stakeholders, who we listened carefully to in drawing up our forward-thinking social infrastructure-led proposals that promote health, education and employment.”

Swan Housing Association Director John Synnuck added: “At Swan we’ve spent the last 25 years helping people feel at home. Our commitment to continuing to improve the lives of the communities we work with is unwavering.

“We will now all work together to create a thriving environment that provides much needed new homes and services, alongside significant employment and educational opportunities for the local community.”