Regeneration of Grays Town Centre continues as Underpass moves forward.

Thurrock Council have promised further upgrades to the Grays area as the planned underpass adjacent to Grays rail station have ‘progressed to the next stage’.

In a statement the council stated its plans to deliver a safer and improved crossing.

“Thurrock Council and Network Rail have completed stage three of the eight stage GRIP (Governance for Railway Investment Projects) process after establishing the foundations to drive forward.

Grays town centre is to receive almost half a million pounds to improve security and lighting.

The statement continued: “The scheme will see the existing level crossing replaced with a wide pedestrian walkway and two new public squares. Building works set to commence in winter 2022/23 will see striking improvements to the town centre and economic impacts estimated to reach £60 million.”

It will follow safety work which will be put in place as a result of a successful application for £432,000 that the council believes will benefit the areas evening economy.

Improving Safety

The planned underpass will replace the level crossing in Grays High Street and will include new public squares to the north and south of the underpass, which will connect with the station, along with shops, cafés and restaurants.

The plan will improve safety at the crossing which has been plagued by problems as people jump the gates near the station platform to avoid paying rail fares.

In July 2020, Thurrock Council’s cabinet was advised that Network Rail estimated between £22.2million and £25.2million for the infrastructure elements of the project.

Compulsory Purchase Order

LRS assisted with the Compulsory Purchase Order and land referencing services to allow the project to move forward.

Following further design work, a revised cost plan has reduced Network Rail’s costs to £21.2million, with an expected overall budget for the project of £37.3million.

Cabinet member for regeneration Cllr Mark Coxshall said: 
“The existing level crossing presents a clear safety risk as the number of near misses continues to rise. It also divides the town, severing accessibility to and from the centre and the river.

“This is a milestone in the development of this scheme following significant technical work and consultation. Now, it’s time to progress and deliver for our residents and businesses."

The statement added: ”The council has also applied for approval to commence a Compulsory Purchase Order to enable scheme delivery only if required."

Improved Environment

A separate scheme of new commercial, retail and mixed-use units will be incorporated around the public squares to replace any lost units and further improve the economic position of the town.

Cllr Coxshall, summed up by saying: “Grays has suffered from low investment, rising vacancies, and a poor environment for too long.

“These works are only one part of much wider aspirational plans to transform the entire town including an energy-efficient council building with the Register Office and ceremonial gardens for weddings at its heart; and up to £25 million investment through the government’s Town Fund to transform Grays into a leisure destination.”

Work is expected to start in November next year and be completed by 2024.

Cabinet member for regeneration Cllr Mark Coxshall said;

“
The existing level crossing presents a clear safety risk as the number of near misses continues to rise. It also divides the town, severing accessibility to and from the centre and the river.

“This is a milestone in the development of this scheme following significant technical work and consultation. Now, it’s time to progress and deliver for our residents and businesses.”