SENIOR Thurrock councillors have decided to press ahead with ambitious plans for Purfleet.

As reported on Thurrock Nub News, the council's cabinet met last night (Wednesday, 18 March) to consider how to go about injecting new life into its plans to build a new town with associated infrastructure, including a railway.

Millions were spent previously over an ultimately aborted scheme, with development and administrative costs estimated at around £25 million under the management of the now defunct Purfleet Centre Regeneration Ltd (PCRL). The plug was pulled on that project in 2024.

Though it was not discussed at the meeting last night when councillors gave the green light, thoughts on the new scheme included a warning from accounts and auditors KPMG which said the council could end up paying a heavy financial price if the scheme failed a second time.

The cabinet has now agreed to appoint Muse Places, supported by the English Cities Fund, as its preferred 'master developer' for the scheme.

A statement from the council today says: "The decision signals the council's commitment to unlocking one of the borough's most ambitious regeneration projects, while recognising that substantial external investment will be essential before delivery can begin. 

"The regeneration of Purfleet-on-Thames has the potential to provide around 2,850 new homes, including affordable housing, alongside a new town centre, community facilities, primary school, commercial space and improved medical facilities. The proposed work also includes a new bridge over the railway to enable closure of the level crossing, as well as the relocation and redevelopment of Purfleet station. 

"Over the past year, the Council has been working with Muse Places, the English Cities Fund, Homes England, local organisations and the community to look at whether the previous plans could actually be delivered.

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"The latest work shows that although the project is still complicated, it can move ahead subject to an updated masterplan securing planning consent, and major public‑sector funding being allocated to help pay for the key infrastructure needed at the start. 

"Cabinet's decision means the council can now start working with Muse Places on the detailed development agreement for the project. The council will also commission expert advice to help it gain a full picture of the costs, risks and legal details before anything is signed.

"Once the terms of the agreement are finalised, it will go back to cabinet for a further decision." 

Cllr Lee Watson, deputy leader and cabinet member for good growth, said: "This marks an important moment for Purfleet‑on‑Thames and for the borough. By appointing a preferred development partner, we are taking a clear and positive step towards delivering new homes, improved transport connections, modern community facilities and a new town centre for local people.

"There is still a long road ahead and the project relies on securing significant external investment to deliver the key infrastructure, but this decision builds the foundations needed to move forward after several challenging years. 

New homes for Purfleet were key to the previous plan.

"Most importantly, we will continue working closely with residents through the Purfleet‑on‑Thames Community Forum to make sure the regeneration reflects their needs and aspirations. Their voice will remain central as plans develop."

A proposed film and TV studio complex will no longer form part of the revived regeneration project, the council has confirmed. The complex was key to the PCRL scheme, but was roundly mocked by then borough MP Dame Jackie Doyle-Price. She said: "I don't believe that the proposals for TV and Film studios are in any way viable. I am incredulous that Thurrock Council officers allowed for these proposals to be drawn up."

The change is among several alterations to the long-delayed scheme, which was halted in 2023 after its former development partner, Purfleet Centre Regeneration Ltd (PCRL), failed to secure sufficient private finance.

The new plans include a new railway bridge, enabling the closure of the existing level crossing, along with a redeveloped station, primary school, medical facilities and new employment space.

Cllr Watson stressed that while the previous scheme stalled due to private sector funding issues, the new approach was "fully backed by Homes England", which is now taking a more active role in enabling delivery. The Homes and Communities Agency became Homes England in January 2018, with a remit to acquire land and support brownfield development to help boost housing supply.

A review of earlier designs, carried out with Muse Places and several consultants who previously worked on the project, concluded that some elements must change to make the scheme viable.

An image produced in the original plan showing Purfleet centre.

These include a new alignment for the proposed railway bridge, a revised location for the station and primary school, and replacing the film studio with mixed light industrial and employment space aimed at small and medium sized businesses.

The changes, Ms Watson said, would improve connectivity, reduce costs and deliver a more inclusive scheme.

Residents have expressed frustration at decades of stalled promises, a point raised by Cllr John Kent, portfolio holder for sustainability, arts, culture and heritage.

He said Purfleet had suffered "a real history of over promising and under delivering" and questioned what would ensure the scheme finally progresses.

Ms Watson said the difference this time was firm government level backing and a clearer path to unlocking funding.

KPMG broadly endorsed the approach of appointing Muse via a direct award, subject to strict compliance and detailed due diligence.

However, KPMG warned that the first phase is highly constrained, relies on low affordable housing levels and large public funding, and could expose the council to significant cost if the scheme fails to progress and a future termination is required. The risks were not discussed at last night's meeting - even though a key directive of an improvement plan for Thurrock's governance says risk must be factored into considerations of all decisions.