A VACANT unit in Tilbury could be transformed into a new community centre and café and under plans submitted to Thurrock Council.

The Tilbury Towns Fund is seeking permission to change the use of Unit 15A in Civic Square and part of the neighbouring Tilbury Library to create a combined community shop, café and meeting space. The library itself would remain in place and continue operating as a public library.

The, which previously housed office space but is now empty, would be refurbished and connected internally to the library to form the expanded facility. The café would serve simple food that does not require specialist extraction equipment, meaning no external ventilation or plant machinery would be installed.

The applicant argues the plans would enhance rather than reduce community facilities in Tilbury, in line with the council's policies for town centres. The proposals stress that bringing the vacant premises back into use would provide new services for residents, create part time employment opportunities, and strengthen the long term viability of the library.

No external alterations are planned, and the single storey units would retain their existing appearance facing the square. Because the development is entirely internal, the submission says there would be no impact on surrounding homes and businesses. Opening hours would mirror those of the current library and the café would not operate as a late-night venue.

The plans include a new accessible ramp for an external seating area as well as two disabled toilets inside.

The site has no dedicated parking, but the applicant says its proximity to Tilbury Town railway station and nearby bus services makes it highly sustainable. Most visitors, they argue, already arrive on foot or by public transport, so the change of use would not increase traffic or parking pressures.

In a supporting statement, the applicant says the new community hub would provide "a valuable service to those with a genuine need for support" and increase activity and natural surveillance in the square.

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