Tilbury Riverside Business Centre expansion

Tilbury Riverside Business Centre is part of Thurrock Council’s Enterprise Units Programme which seeks to support economic growth and create new job opportunities through the provision of good quality workspace targeted at start-up, small and medium businesses. There is evidence of market failure in the supply of small business workspace in Thurrock. Whilst there is strong demand for small managed/serviced workspace in the area, private developers are deterred by poor returns.  The Council’s Enterprise Units Programme is part of the Council’s intervention to address the disparity between the supply viability and demand for small business workspace. In addition to providing the premises with specifications that meet the needs of small and medium sized businesses, the development also provides access to business facilities (such as receptionist, conference rooms and equipment), business support and advice (e.g. finance, marketing, management skills and technical support) providing the best possible start for new and growing businesses. In Thurrock, the number of early business failures is above the national average, therefore much attention is given to the quality of support offered to small businesses – to help them overcome the challenges of start-up and growth. Ultimately helping these businesses reach their potential and ensuring their continuing success. Opened in 2005, the Riverside Business Centre provides around 27,381ft² (2,544m²) of lettable workspace comprising of offices, studios and workshop units ranging from 230 to 1,883ft² (21 to 175m²) alongside business facilities which include a boardroom, reception and breakout area. The centre is well used with occupancy levels consistently over 90%. Building on its success, this project will build a new c.14,000ft² (1,300m²) extension comprising 20 self-contained workshop units.

Project Update

The project was considered by the Accountability Board on 16 October 2020 and the decision was made to remove the project from the LGF programme. Due to the uncertainty between April and August 2020 in relation to the final third of SELEP’s LGF allocation for 2020/21 being received from Central Government, the by Thurrock Council. This has resulted in project delays and, for the project to proceed, The repeat of the tender exercise would extend the delivery of the project beyond the 31 March 2021 deadline. Issues.  Whilst an increase to the total project cost has not been identified, Thurrock Council are no longer in a position to provide a £2,758,000 contribution to the project, as per the original business case. 

£579m of investment to East Sussex, Essex, Kent, Medway, Southend and Thurrock

In total the SELEP Growth Deal with Government has brought £579m of investment to East Sussex, Essex, Kent, Medway, Southend and Thurrock. Over the lifetime of the Growth Deal (2015-2021) we aim to deliver 78,000 jobs and 29,000 homes across the SELEP area, with the Deal set to attract a further £960m of investment into the South East over the six year period. Find out more here