Thousands of jobs could be created for the borough as plans for a huge enterprise park are due to be submitted for the former oil refinery site in Coryton.

Developers hope that as many as 5,000 new jobs could be created for the borough if the plans are approved.

The Thames Enterprise Park, a new centre for energy and environmental technology, will feature a food park, an energy park and a central hub for amenity, training and skills.

The development is being driven by Thames Oilport investor Greenergy in partnership with a company called iSec.

A consortium of Vopak, Shell and Greenergy took over the 580-acre site in September 2012, just weeks after a bitter battle to save the refinery ended, with the loss of 750 jobs.

Part of the oil refinery site is already being used for the Thames Oilport fuel terminal, which is now open for fuel supply.

The Thames Enterprise Park makes up the remaining 415 acres and is one of the largest industrial sites in the Northern Thames Gateway, which itself is north-west Europe’s largest single regeneration initiative.

Mark Coxshall, Thurrock Councillor responsible for Regeneration, feels this is indicative of a healthy economy in the area.

He said: “This is great news for the people of Thurrock and builds on the jobs created recently by Amazon and UPS, which have already provided 5,000 high-quality jobs this year.

“Across south Essex, we have committed to creating 75,000 jobs in the next 15 years and this will go some way to helping with that.

“It shows the south Essex economy is growing and will ensure a high-quality industrial brownfield site is being put to good use.”

Work has already been carried out to demolish the chimneys and the plans for the development have been worked on for a number of years since the refinery was forced to close.

Planning permission was granted by Thurrock Council in April this year for the clean-up of 114 acres.

Andrew Owens, Chief Executive for Greenergy, said: “The Coryton refinery land is situated in one of the most exciting growth areas in the south east.

“The regeneration of the site is already under way with jobs created at the Thames Oilport fuel terminal.

“We are now bringing forward our plans to transform the remainder of the refinery land to accommodate a variety of job-creating businesses at Thames Enterprise Park.”

Nigel Lax, Director at iSec, added: “We are delighted to share our vision with residents, community organisations and businesses.

“We look forward to speaking with everyone as plans progress.”
The developers are keen to share their plans with the community and are encouraging residents to attend drop-in sessions.

The first will be held at Corringham Hall on Friday from 2.30pm to 7pm.

For regular news updates, like us on Facebook and Twitter