RESIDENTS and parents are to get their chance to contribute to the creation of a new school in Thurrock.

The project team behind plans to build a permanent home for Thames Park Secondary School have launched a website to share information with the community.

The school, which will open next month in temporary premises formerly used as part of the South Essex College campus in Grays town centre, will be built on land next to USP Palmers College between Grays and Chadwell St Mary.

Bowmer + Kirkland has been selected by the Department for Education as the main contractor for the project and have brought together a team including architects, engineers and transport consultants who has been working on the proposals ahead of the planning application being submitted later this year.

The project team would like to share the Thames Park Secondary School plans and welcomes feedback from the community. They will be holding a public webinar on Wednesday 2 September from 7pm to 8.30pm.

To register to attend, visit the project website where you can also find more detailed information.

Chris Allen, Design Manager at Bowmer + Kirkland, said: "We are looking forward to sharing the plans with the wider Grays community following initial discussions with Thurrock Council. Our proposals provide much needed secondary school places while carefully responding to the surroundings in both architectural and landscape design.

"Furthermore, the school plans respond to demands of community use and advances in digital education." Kam Bains the Headteacher of Thames Park Secondary School added: "We are welcoming our founding Year 7 students in September, as they start their exciting educational adventure with us.

"The education team at Thurrock Council have supported us with our temporary accommodation. Our parents, staff and pupils are all very excited about the plans for our permanent site. This state-of-the-art building and with its inspirational landscaping, which Bowmer + Kirkland have designed with the school, will help us to create a truly inclusive school community in the heart of Grays. It will be a school, where our rich co-operative values will empower young people from all backgrounds to grow and flourish." After reviewing plans, feedback can be left on the project website.

The aim is to submit the planning application later this year. If Thurrock Council approve the proposals Thames Park Secondary School will open the permanent accommodation in September 2022.