Improvements to the riverside in Grays

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Survey has closed.

We want to know what you think of plans to improve your local riverside - an area with great potential for local people and families to spend more time, exercise and enjoy the views of the river.

We will be investing funding secured from Government to make sure that local people can enjoy the spectacular views and open spaces on their doorstep.

Our Plans

  • Open up the waterfront so more people can access this beautiful space.
  • Build a new walkway from Kilverts Field through the Boatyard, Yacht Club and Grays Beach Park to make it easier to access the river and nature.
  • Transform the flood defences into tiered seating, leading down from the Lightship Café to the water.

The riverfront park is just the first stage of the £19.9 million investment in Grays. It is the first of many improvements we want to make to the Grays area, based on what you have told us you want to see here.

Have your say

Complete the survey, or ask a question below. You can also attend one of our exhibition events.

We want to know what you think of plans to improve your local riverside - an area with great potential for local people and families to spend more time, exercise and enjoy the views of the river.

We will be investing funding secured from Government to make sure that local people can enjoy the spectacular views and open spaces on their doorstep.

Our Plans

  • Open up the waterfront so more people can access this beautiful space.
  • Build a new walkway from Kilverts Field through the Boatyard, Yacht Club and Grays Beach Park to make it easier to access the river and nature.
  • Transform the flood defences into tiered seating, leading down from the Lightship Café to the water.

The riverfront park is just the first stage of the £19.9 million investment in Grays. It is the first of many improvements we want to make to the Grays area, based on what you have told us you want to see here.

Have your say

Complete the survey, or ask a question below. You can also attend one of our exhibition events.

Survey has closed.

  • Share Can you tell me what happened to all the plans that were drawn up over the last couple of years and a lot of officer, community and professionals spent time on. You paid Kinetika a sum of money to run workshops on this scheme? on Facebook Share Can you tell me what happened to all the plans that were drawn up over the last couple of years and a lot of officer, community and professionals spent time on. You paid Kinetika a sum of money to run workshops on this scheme? on Twitter Share Can you tell me what happened to all the plans that were drawn up over the last couple of years and a lot of officer, community and professionals spent time on. You paid Kinetika a sum of money to run workshops on this scheme? on Linkedin Email Can you tell me what happened to all the plans that were drawn up over the last couple of years and a lot of officer, community and professionals spent time on. You paid Kinetika a sum of money to run workshops on this scheme? link

    Can you tell me what happened to all the plans that were drawn up over the last couple of years and a lot of officer, community and professionals spent time on. You paid Kinetika a sum of money to run workshops on this scheme?

    Andrea Bull asked 3 months ago

    This proposal is part of those plans, the design has been further developed following consultation and surveys with various stakeholders over a number of years.

  • Share Will the area have any on site security presence during the day to ensure the safety of all who visit bearing in mind the number of mothers and children who would visit and benefit from the area ? on Facebook Share Will the area have any on site security presence during the day to ensure the safety of all who visit bearing in mind the number of mothers and children who would visit and benefit from the area ? on Twitter Share Will the area have any on site security presence during the day to ensure the safety of all who visit bearing in mind the number of mothers and children who would visit and benefit from the area ? on Linkedin Email Will the area have any on site security presence during the day to ensure the safety of all who visit bearing in mind the number of mothers and children who would visit and benefit from the area ? link

    Will the area have any on site security presence during the day to ensure the safety of all who visit bearing in mind the number of mothers and children who would visit and benefit from the area ?

    Pete B asked 3 months ago

    There are plans for CCTV surveillance and additional lighting in the area to deter anti-social behaviour, and to disrupt and prevent crime. No on site security presence is currently planned.

  • Share You didnt answer my question on the grays beach improvement scheme? I asked you where you expect people to park ? I know grays is a controlled parking area as you have more ticket wardens than I can shake a stick at,this is why I avoid grays town centre at all costs.Lakeside is free to park and so is corringham where they have three free car parks surrounding the shopping centre,which is how it should be if you want to encourage people to shop there...Total greed on Facebook Share You didnt answer my question on the grays beach improvement scheme? I asked you where you expect people to park ? I know grays is a controlled parking area as you have more ticket wardens than I can shake a stick at,this is why I avoid grays town centre at all costs.Lakeside is free to park and so is corringham where they have three free car parks surrounding the shopping centre,which is how it should be if you want to encourage people to shop there...Total greed on Twitter Share You didnt answer my question on the grays beach improvement scheme? I asked you where you expect people to park ? I know grays is a controlled parking area as you have more ticket wardens than I can shake a stick at,this is why I avoid grays town centre at all costs.Lakeside is free to park and so is corringham where they have three free car parks surrounding the shopping centre,which is how it should be if you want to encourage people to shop there...Total greed on Linkedin Email You didnt answer my question on the grays beach improvement scheme? I asked you where you expect people to park ? I know grays is a controlled parking area as you have more ticket wardens than I can shake a stick at,this is why I avoid grays town centre at all costs.Lakeside is free to park and so is corringham where they have three free car parks surrounding the shopping centre,which is how it should be if you want to encourage people to shop there...Total greed link

    You didnt answer my question on the grays beach improvement scheme? I asked you where you expect people to park ? I know grays is a controlled parking area as you have more ticket wardens than I can shake a stick at,this is why I avoid grays town centre at all costs.Lakeside is free to park and so is corringham where they have three free car parks surrounding the shopping centre,which is how it should be if you want to encourage people to shop there...Total greed

    G.Ryder asked 4 months ago

    There are no plans for new dedicated parking for this scheme. Visitors may use the 182 existing car parking spaces at the Grays Beach Car Park along Thames Road and several other car parks nearby including the Grays Shopping Centre multi-storey car park, as listed on our website: thurrock.gov.uk/car-parks.

    Grays is well served by public transport with a mainline railway station and bus station a short walk from the Riverside area. There are also good cycle paths and footpaths to the Riverside area. 

    Part of the wider ambition behind the Grays Riverfront development is to encourage sustainable travel with links to the local walking and cycling network

  • Share where are the plans being kept for this waterfront improvement scheme - should they not be part of the main page of consultation like on all other schemes? on Facebook Share where are the plans being kept for this waterfront improvement scheme - should they not be part of the main page of consultation like on all other schemes? on Twitter Share where are the plans being kept for this waterfront improvement scheme - should they not be part of the main page of consultation like on all other schemes? on Linkedin Email where are the plans being kept for this waterfront improvement scheme - should they not be part of the main page of consultation like on all other schemes? link

    where are the plans being kept for this waterfront improvement scheme - should they not be part of the main page of consultation like on all other schemes?

    mattjackson asked 4 months ago

    Thank you for your question. The proposed masterplan can be found on Page 5 of the Grays Riverside Proposed Works, linked from the main page of this survey.

  • Share Will the ferry to Gravesend be part of this? We really need it back. on Facebook Share Will the ferry to Gravesend be part of this? We really need it back. on Twitter Share Will the ferry to Gravesend be part of this? We really need it back. on Linkedin Email Will the ferry to Gravesend be part of this? We really need it back. link

    Will the ferry to Gravesend be part of this? We really need it back.

    Ga asked 4 months ago

    The Ferry from Tilbury to Gravesend is not part of this proposal. However, Thurrock Council is committed to continue work to find a sustainable future for this service, more information can be found here: thurrock.gov.uk/news/ferry-services/restoring-tilbury-ferry

  • Share How would the investment help community organisations like ours to have a space to engage more with the community on a daily base to resolve contextual safeguarding concerns, lack of family time and other issues that affect us as a community by providing engaging activities that reduces the challenges. on Facebook Share How would the investment help community organisations like ours to have a space to engage more with the community on a daily base to resolve contextual safeguarding concerns, lack of family time and other issues that affect us as a community by providing engaging activities that reduces the challenges. on Twitter Share How would the investment help community organisations like ours to have a space to engage more with the community on a daily base to resolve contextual safeguarding concerns, lack of family time and other issues that affect us as a community by providing engaging activities that reduces the challenges. on Linkedin Email How would the investment help community organisations like ours to have a space to engage more with the community on a daily base to resolve contextual safeguarding concerns, lack of family time and other issues that affect us as a community by providing engaging activities that reduces the challenges. link

    How would the investment help community organisations like ours to have a space to engage more with the community on a daily base to resolve contextual safeguarding concerns, lack of family time and other issues that affect us as a community by providing engaging activities that reduces the challenges.

    Joyce asked 3 months ago

    Thank you for your question. This proposal is about opening up the waterfront and making it more accessible, it will be an open outdoor space for all to enjoy. Your comments around needing a community space have been noted for any additional plans for this area in the future. 

    If you would like to email us with details of your organisation we can ensure you are added to our contact list for any future engagement in this area. Please email HaveMySay@thurrock.gov.uk if you wish to do so, alternatively you can click the 'subscribe' button within the survey project page.

  • Share who exactly is we ? where has the 19.9 million come from . why ca it not be properly costed and the people of the area asked what they want , not going along with the same usual peoples opinion , please give numbers of persons approached re this spend and what they and local cllrs have said. i would like to know whom obtaioned this money from where and for what purpose .i think a democratic response would highlight higher priority wants than walk ways and cycle paths by the river . like better doctors and healthcare .i take it this is different money from that which was wasted on the grays underpass . whilst it would be nice there are more important things in this borough including trying to maintain what we already have . i personally think only a few vocal people support this . The jightship cafe i visited the other day and i found out to my somewhat amazement that the defibrillator in the place was one i obtained and it has made its way there emblazened with the welcom forum . if you ger ALL this money for this area again could we have it back for east tilbury who havent even got buses..flood defences , surely part funded by environmental agency . A grant for flood defences . there was something going out to areas prone to flooding in essex exept thurrock or southend whys that then . i take it this wont disappear into the ether of administration fees and surveyors and consultancy fees . let the people know what your doing now with detail on Facebook Share who exactly is we ? where has the 19.9 million come from . why ca it not be properly costed and the people of the area asked what they want , not going along with the same usual peoples opinion , please give numbers of persons approached re this spend and what they and local cllrs have said. i would like to know whom obtaioned this money from where and for what purpose .i think a democratic response would highlight higher priority wants than walk ways and cycle paths by the river . like better doctors and healthcare .i take it this is different money from that which was wasted on the grays underpass . whilst it would be nice there are more important things in this borough including trying to maintain what we already have . i personally think only a few vocal people support this . The jightship cafe i visited the other day and i found out to my somewhat amazement that the defibrillator in the place was one i obtained and it has made its way there emblazened with the welcom forum . if you ger ALL this money for this area again could we have it back for east tilbury who havent even got buses..flood defences , surely part funded by environmental agency . A grant for flood defences . there was something going out to areas prone to flooding in essex exept thurrock or southend whys that then . i take it this wont disappear into the ether of administration fees and surveyors and consultancy fees . let the people know what your doing now with detail on Twitter Share who exactly is we ? where has the 19.9 million come from . why ca it not be properly costed and the people of the area asked what they want , not going along with the same usual peoples opinion , please give numbers of persons approached re this spend and what they and local cllrs have said. i would like to know whom obtaioned this money from where and for what purpose .i think a democratic response would highlight higher priority wants than walk ways and cycle paths by the river . like better doctors and healthcare .i take it this is different money from that which was wasted on the grays underpass . whilst it would be nice there are more important things in this borough including trying to maintain what we already have . i personally think only a few vocal people support this . The jightship cafe i visited the other day and i found out to my somewhat amazement that the defibrillator in the place was one i obtained and it has made its way there emblazened with the welcom forum . if you ger ALL this money for this area again could we have it back for east tilbury who havent even got buses..flood defences , surely part funded by environmental agency . A grant for flood defences . there was something going out to areas prone to flooding in essex exept thurrock or southend whys that then . i take it this wont disappear into the ether of administration fees and surveyors and consultancy fees . let the people know what your doing now with detail on Linkedin Email who exactly is we ? where has the 19.9 million come from . why ca it not be properly costed and the people of the area asked what they want , not going along with the same usual peoples opinion , please give numbers of persons approached re this spend and what they and local cllrs have said. i would like to know whom obtaioned this money from where and for what purpose .i think a democratic response would highlight higher priority wants than walk ways and cycle paths by the river . like better doctors and healthcare .i take it this is different money from that which was wasted on the grays underpass . whilst it would be nice there are more important things in this borough including trying to maintain what we already have . i personally think only a few vocal people support this . The jightship cafe i visited the other day and i found out to my somewhat amazement that the defibrillator in the place was one i obtained and it has made its way there emblazened with the welcom forum . if you ger ALL this money for this area again could we have it back for east tilbury who havent even got buses..flood defences , surely part funded by environmental agency . A grant for flood defences . there was something going out to areas prone to flooding in essex exept thurrock or southend whys that then . i take it this wont disappear into the ether of administration fees and surveyors and consultancy fees . let the people know what your doing now with detail link

    who exactly is we ? where has the 19.9 million come from . why ca it not be properly costed and the people of the area asked what they want , not going along with the same usual peoples opinion , please give numbers of persons approached re this spend and what they and local cllrs have said. i would like to know whom obtaioned this money from where and for what purpose .i think a democratic response would highlight higher priority wants than walk ways and cycle paths by the river . like better doctors and healthcare .i take it this is different money from that which was wasted on the grays underpass . whilst it would be nice there are more important things in this borough including trying to maintain what we already have . i personally think only a few vocal people support this . The jightship cafe i visited the other day and i found out to my somewhat amazement that the defibrillator in the place was one i obtained and it has made its way there emblazened with the welcom forum . if you ger ALL this money for this area again could we have it back for east tilbury who havent even got buses..flood defences , surely part funded by environmental agency . A grant for flood defences . there was something going out to areas prone to flooding in essex exept thurrock or southend whys that then . i take it this wont disappear into the ether of administration fees and surveyors and consultancy fees . let the people know what your doing now with detail

    bowling.d7 asked 3 months ago

    Grays was invited by the government to bid for a Town Deal grant and was awarded £19.9m. The government outlined a strict process for how bids should be developed and made, this involved creating a Town Deal Board which had to include the member of Parliament, local businesses and investors, Local Enterprise Partnerships and local government representatives. The Board then developed a Town Investment Plan, which was submitted to the government, and funding was awarded based on it. Funding is ringfenced for the delivery of that plan for that town. You can find out more about the Towns Fund process and governance at: gov.uk/government/collections/towns-fund

    Various engagement and consultation activities have taken place over the past 10+ years involving a large number of stakeholders and residents. All of the comments, ideas and feedback submitted has been used to help shape this proposal. 

    More information about a new bus service for East Tilbury can be found on our website at: thurrock.gov.uk/news/public-transport/new-bus-service-coming-to-thurrock

    Flood defences for Thurrock and Southend are funded by DEFRA’s Flood and Coastal Resilience Innovation Programme and is being delivered through the Catchment to Coast scheme. Read more at: catchmenttocoast.uk/

  • Share Why has it taken so long to start this project? I have been here over 30 years and I have recognised the potential about 30 years ago looking at the wasted space. What about a proper off road cycle walking track to Southend and to london just as a start. Not the status quo of partitioning current road and giving to cyclist so they can become targets . Just saying . Finally , hope it’s all going to happen in my lifetime and not just stew forever more on Facebook Share Why has it taken so long to start this project? I have been here over 30 years and I have recognised the potential about 30 years ago looking at the wasted space. What about a proper off road cycle walking track to Southend and to london just as a start. Not the status quo of partitioning current road and giving to cyclist so they can become targets . Just saying . Finally , hope it’s all going to happen in my lifetime and not just stew forever more on Twitter Share Why has it taken so long to start this project? I have been here over 30 years and I have recognised the potential about 30 years ago looking at the wasted space. What about a proper off road cycle walking track to Southend and to london just as a start. Not the status quo of partitioning current road and giving to cyclist so they can become targets . Just saying . Finally , hope it’s all going to happen in my lifetime and not just stew forever more on Linkedin Email Why has it taken so long to start this project? I have been here over 30 years and I have recognised the potential about 30 years ago looking at the wasted space. What about a proper off road cycle walking track to Southend and to london just as a start. Not the status quo of partitioning current road and giving to cyclist so they can become targets . Just saying . Finally , hope it’s all going to happen in my lifetime and not just stew forever more link

    Why has it taken so long to start this project? I have been here over 30 years and I have recognised the potential about 30 years ago looking at the wasted space. What about a proper off road cycle walking track to Southend and to london just as a start. Not the status quo of partitioning current road and giving to cyclist so they can become targets . Just saying . Finally , hope it’s all going to happen in my lifetime and not just stew forever more

    Netman asked 4 months ago

    We anticipate this project will commence late in 2025. 

    Thank you for your suggestion of the cycle and walking track. The council is currently engaging on proposals for local cycling and walking plans which you may be interested in responding to with your proposal. More information can be found here: consult.thurrock.gov.uk/lcwip-24.

  • Share The big problem is Parking (and Charges) as parking is very restricted in that area, and parking in the car park is expensive. Suggestion- With the i00 bus, divert every other bus down Wharf Road (low bridge) along and up New road and the to Grays bus station (and the reverse ) with stops at strategic points along the route. This will encourage more familes and those with walking problems to visit the area, and the café. Provide a bus service for people who live in that area, and provide better transport links for college students who live outside the immediate area, In that way everyone benefits (except the parking Vultures) on Facebook Share The big problem is Parking (and Charges) as parking is very restricted in that area, and parking in the car park is expensive. Suggestion- With the i00 bus, divert every other bus down Wharf Road (low bridge) along and up New road and the to Grays bus station (and the reverse ) with stops at strategic points along the route. This will encourage more familes and those with walking problems to visit the area, and the café. Provide a bus service for people who live in that area, and provide better transport links for college students who live outside the immediate area, In that way everyone benefits (except the parking Vultures) on Twitter Share The big problem is Parking (and Charges) as parking is very restricted in that area, and parking in the car park is expensive. Suggestion- With the i00 bus, divert every other bus down Wharf Road (low bridge) along and up New road and the to Grays bus station (and the reverse ) with stops at strategic points along the route. This will encourage more familes and those with walking problems to visit the area, and the café. Provide a bus service for people who live in that area, and provide better transport links for college students who live outside the immediate area, In that way everyone benefits (except the parking Vultures) on Linkedin Email The big problem is Parking (and Charges) as parking is very restricted in that area, and parking in the car park is expensive. Suggestion- With the i00 bus, divert every other bus down Wharf Road (low bridge) along and up New road and the to Grays bus station (and the reverse ) with stops at strategic points along the route. This will encourage more familes and those with walking problems to visit the area, and the café. Provide a bus service for people who live in that area, and provide better transport links for college students who live outside the immediate area, In that way everyone benefits (except the parking Vultures) link

    The big problem is Parking (and Charges) as parking is very restricted in that area, and parking in the car park is expensive. Suggestion- With the i00 bus, divert every other bus down Wharf Road (low bridge) along and up New road and the to Grays bus station (and the reverse ) with stops at strategic points along the route. This will encourage more familes and those with walking problems to visit the area, and the café. Provide a bus service for people who live in that area, and provide better transport links for college students who live outside the immediate area, In that way everyone benefits (except the parking Vultures)

    TCBrown asked 4 months ago

    Thank you for your suggestion, this has been passed to our Passenger Transport team to consider, however we have been advised that due to the low clearance height at Wharf Road that may not be workable. You may also be interested in responding to our survey about local cycling and walking plans too which aims to make sustainable modes of transport more accessible. More information can be found here: consult.thurrock.gov.uk/lcwip-24

  • Share When do you start on Facebook Share When do you start on Twitter Share When do you start on Linkedin Email When do you start link

    When do you start

    Albert dedushi asked 4 months ago

    Thank you for your question. Works are expected to commence on site late in 2025.