Blackshots Updates

We’re redeveloping the Blackshots Estate in Grays to provide better housing for residents. As part of this work, we will be demolishing its 3 tower blocks.

Visit this page to keep up to date with the latest news regarding this project.

June 2025

Under previous proposals the three tower blocks - Keir Hardie House, Bevan House and Morrison House - were to be demolished and replaced with 258 new, modern and energy efficient homes in a series of medium-rise flat blocks and houses. To do this part of King George Playing Fields would be redeveloped as part of the new housing estate.

Following resident feedback, Housing Development team have worked with external consultant Avison Young to explore alternative site options. New proposals will mean that new homes could potentially be delivered by building on Chapel Farm, leaving King George Playing Field untouched.

We would like to thank residents for attending the Blackshots Alternative Sites Exhibition event on 22 May 2025, held at Thurrock Rugby Club.

Residents comments received are valuable in shaping the way forward for the redevelopment of the Blackshots estate.

Common themes recorded from the event, as well as subsequent feedback online and by email highlight comments regarding the design, location and alternative options.

“Pleased to see the new development”

“I like the idea of building on Chapel Farm”

“The Chapel Farm site is ideal if it stops the building of houses on Blackshots Field”

“Our main concern is amount of traffic and understanding of proposing routes to deal with traffic”

“Concerns about dust and pollution from demolition of the tower blocks”

“If you increase the number of homes, there must be in the infrastructure of roads, schools and doctors to support”

“Regeneration is a positive way forward”

“I like the building of the flats where the old ones were”

In addition to the site options, residents were briefed on the progress for demolition. An application for the demolition of Keir Hardie House, Bevan House & Morrison House and their surrounding garages is being prepared and will be submitted to Thurrock’s Planning Department in June 2025. The application will provide details on the extent of demolition, the method of demolition, site hoarding and include a Demolition Environmental Management Plan. When the application has been submitted, residents will be formally consulted as part of the planning process and can review and comment on the application via the Planning Portal.

Visit this page to keep up to date and to have your say regarding the details of this project.