Help shape the future of Blackshots Estate

July 2023

Thurrock Council is exploring the opportunity to redevelop the Blackshots Estate in Grays and has already agreed that the tower blocks will need to be vacated.

We believe everyone should have a good quality home. Across the borough, around 1,200 new homes need to be built every year just to meet current demand.

The redevelopment of the Blackshots Estate primarily focuses on the demolition and redevelopment of three 11-storey tower blocks – Kier Hardie House, Bevan House and Morrison House – comprising of 168 homes. We will look to re-plan this area and provide lower height homes with easier access to gardens and green spaces. Brand new homes also have much better energy efficiency standards, helping to reduce fuel costs.

This programme would help to provide much needed housing in the borough, raise the standard of living alongside improving the local environment for our residents.

Image courtesy of Google Earth

What is this consultation about?

After initially consulting with residents in late 2021 we have considered the feedback received and will be incorporating this alongside further comments into new design proposals.

We once again ask for your feedback and want to hear your views on what works well at the moment and what could be improved on the Blackshots Estate. We want to work with you to understand your individual and community needs for new housing on the estate and your aspirations for the future community.

All feedback received during the consultation will be considered and used to develop our redevelopment proposals and set out the commitments we will make to you in the Design Charter.

The first engagement event will be held on Wednesday 19 July 2023 at Civic Hall from 4pm to 7pm. You will be able to meet the team and learn about the other upcoming events. At this early stage, we want to understand more about your neighbourhood and will be asking:

• What makes a good place to live?
• What would you like to see change?
• What do you like about the Blackshots estate?
• What could change for the better?
• How do you get from your home to school, work, the shops?
• What would you like to see in the new homes and what should they look like?
• How could public open space and play areas be improved?