Economic blueprint for Thames Gateway unveiled

An investment strategy for the Thames Gateway has been unveiled by the three development agencies involved with the Government's most ambitious growth area.

This economic blueprint for the area has highlighted the aim to create significant new employment opportunities at four locations where major development is planned.

These involve Stratford and Lower Lea Valley, Canary Wharf, Ebbsfleet Valley and London Gateway.

A number of sectors have been identified as key to the sub-region's success: these include business and financial services, ports and logistics and environmental technologies.

The economic development investment plan has been agreed by the London Development Agency, the East of England Development Agency and the South East England Development Agency acting in partnership with Communities and Local Government.

Housing and planning minister Caroline Flint said: "This plan will enable the delivery of a knowledge-driven, well connected, globally competitive region. It also demonstrates how economic growth and environmental sustainability can work together."

Meanwhile Arup director Peter Head, who has been involved with the master plan for the world's first eco city in China, has been appointed to be the "champion" for innovation and enterprise in the Thames Gateway.
 
In a separate but related development the Government's design adviser has produced a design pact which is intended to ensure that all development in the growth area embodies world-class standards in design and sustainability.

The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment has put its proposals out for consultation and hopes all interested parties will sign up to it later this year.

Read the London Development Agency press release.

Roger Milne

18 September 2008