BOROUGH MP Jen Craft and Thurrock Council's portfolio holder for growth, Cllr Lee Watson, joined a panel representing builders and landowners last week in a bid to share messages about homes growth in the region.

It was hosted by Thurrock Residential Developers' Partnership (TRDP), a limited company which is solely owned by businessman Ian Anderson, a prominent figure in housing and industrial developments across the borough over the past decade.

Its partner members include housebuilders, landowners and development companies Apex Platinum, Barratt Homes, David Wilson Homes, Gleeson Land, Hill Residential Ltd, Iceni Projects, Mulberry Land and Taylor Wimpey. The partnership is chaired by Thurrock Council's former planning director Andy Millard.

The purpose of the event, called 'Spotlight on Thurrock' and held at and in collaboration with South Essex College in Grays, was described as highlighting 'future benefits to the borough that sustainable housing growth unlocks – including infrastructure improvements, skills development and increased job opportunities'.

It is the first of a number planned by TRDP to bring together different members of the community from across Thurrock.

Chaired by Ray Houghton of BDW Homes, Spotlight on Thurrock featured a panel of speakers, including Ms Craft, Stuart Rimmer, Interim Director of Skills and Employment at Thames Freeport, Frances Moffett-Kouadio, Strategic Investment Director at Thames Estuary Growth Board, Cllr Watson, and Jayne Sheehan, Vice Group CEO of Innovation and Employment Engagement, South Essex Colleges Group.

Discussions centred on sustainable housing growth, the role of infrastructure plays in strengthening communities, and the importance of upskilling the local workforce to create job opportunities.

A spokesperson for TRDP said: "The event marks a significant step toward meaningful collaboration, with Thurrock poised to become a thriving, modern borough – meeting the needs of its residents now and in the future.

"TRDP continues to collaborate with public and private sector partners to develop an evidence-based approach to tackling the challenges of housing growth."

Those attending the meeting were told a recent survey of 500 Thurrock residents revealed over half believe there are insufficient local job opportunities, while 55% reported access to quality housing remains a significant barrier.

Mr Houghton said: "Together, we are tackling today's challenges and shaping a sustainable future for Thurrock. By working closely with schools, businesses, and local leaders, we can ensure homes are built in the right places, at the right time.

"Thurrock's housing needs have not always been fully addressed, which is why this partnership is so important. Strengthening our infrastructure, job market, and housing quality will secure a better future for the community for generations to come."

Ms Craft said: "Thurrock has huge potential to make the most of growth in our area. Unlocking this potential means creating sustainable development, with investment in infrastructure to meet the needs of local communities alongside new housing.

"Past developments have presented challenges, but now we have an opportunity to get it right for our area. By focusing on housing, infrastructure, and economic growth together, we can create new jobs and ensure affordable, sustainable homes are accessible to more people locally."

Brad Brooks, College Principal at Thurrock College, South Essex Colleges Group, said: "South Essex Colleges Group is the heart of community transformation.

"We firmly believe that we play an integral role in raising the aspirations of the local communities that we serve. We recognise that there is a correlation between suitable housing and attainment in education. Affordable housing can have a positive impact on staff recruitment, student success and economic prosperity.

"Our communities are at the heart of our curriculum design: we understand the skills gaps and we work with employers local and national to ensure we are meeting the market demands."