Living in Thameside Essex - Thurrock is transforming
Modern flats keep popping up all along the north estuary banks of the river Thames from Grays to Purfleet as Thurrock has started being recognised as a commuter hotspot. As well as fast train links into London, you have acres of Essex countryside and the coast on your doorstep, and intu Lakeside(one of Europe’s leading centres) for shopping. Thurrock council will be upgrading the Grays town centre and beach and building a theatre.
Facts
Commute length to London: 25 – 35 mins
Annual train ticket: (based on Grays to London Fenchurch Street) £2,448.
Average house price: Semi-Detached; £338k / Terraced; £280k.
Did you know?
Thurrock is transforming as the result of a massive growth and regeneration programme. A £6.6billion investment will create an estimated 14,000 new homes and 31,450 jobs across a number of locations.
Affordable housing
This is an exciting time for the Thurrock area as many new housing projects are in development. In Purfleet not only has a redevelopment project started for 2,500 homes, but for new film and television studios, primary school, health centre, shops and more. Grays centre also has redevelopment plans including thousands of new homes. Throughout the area the mix of already established towns and new communities keeps rents more affordable compared to other neighbouring London boroughs.
Great transport links to the city and beyond
The fast commute to London Fenchurch Street means you can be in the city in roughly half an hour. You also have the train to intu Lakeside and good road links to the rest of Essex giving you access to the countryside and also to the North Norfolk coast.
Good schools
There’s a high standard of schools in the area. For secondary, The Hathaway Academy and Grays Convent High School have ‘good’ reports from Ofsted, while Quarry Hill primary academy has been rated ‘outstanding’.
Things to do
Much of Thurrock’s character comes from its river Thames roots. There are two magnificent forts, Tilbury fort and Coalhouse fort, with a network of footpaths connecting centuries of history which make splendid wildlife walks. Shopping and more entertainment can be found at nearby intu Lakeside.
