Vigerons Way Updates

Young people in Chadwell St Mary are benefiting from community investment linked to the development of seven new council homes at Vigerons Way.

As part of its social value commitments on the scheme, contractor TJ Evers has donated Hedgehog House Craft Kits worth £250 to a local Beaver Scout Colony, helping to support educational and wildlife-focused activities. The company has also donated surplus timber from the construction project to a local Scout Group, allowing the materials to be reused for craft and environmental projects rather than going to waste.

The donations are providing local young people with hands-on learning opportunities while supporting environmental awareness and sustainability. By repurposing construction materials and investing in local organisations, the project is delivering wider community benefits alongside much-needed affordable homes.

Cllr Richard Bingley, Leader of Thurrock Council, said: “It's fantastic to see contractors giving back to the communities where they work. These donations will help local young people learn new skills, support wildlife projects and make good use of materials that might otherwise have gone to waste. Together, we're creating stronger, more sustainable communities alongside delivering new affordable homes."

Evers has also taken on a local young person as an apprentice on the site. It is providing financial support to Stanford Warriors, a martial arts club in Stanford-Le-Hope, and employing local businesses to complete portions of the construction project.

The above ground construction work has begun on seven, truly affordable family homes in Chadwell St Mary.

Cllr Rob Willoughby, Portfolio Holder for Adult Health and Housing Services, visited the building site on Vigerons Way to check on progress building these new council homes.

Work on transforming the disused garage site into the new dwellings is going well and the properties should be completed by April 2027.

Cllr Willoughby said: “This site was previously some underused garages and is now on course to providing much needed council homes for Thurrock people.”

Building contractor TJ Evers, which was appointed by the council to carry out the work, has been delivering on its developer contributions to the community.

The company has taken on a local young person as an apprentice. It is providing financial support to Stanford Warriors, a martial arts club in Stanford-Le-Hope, and employing local businesses to complete portions of the construction project.

Trey, who lives in Chadwell, has been an apprentice on the site for a few months already.

“I’m learning a lot,” said Trey. “I’ve been helping with the bricklaying and the groundwork. Previously I was at college, but I think learning on site and gaining practical experience works better for me.”

August 2026 -

Thurrock Council are delighted to announce that Trey, a young local resident, has started a construction apprenticeship at the Housing Development site, Vigerons Way, in Chadwell St Mary. This opportunity has been made possible through the strong partnership between Inspire, Thurrock Council's Housing Development Team, and TJ Evers Ltd, the contractor delivering the scheme.

Having successfully completed his CSCS card training with Inspire and The Skills Centre in February 2026, Trey was qualified to join TJ Evers onsite in May 2026. This apprenticeship is part of TJ Evers’ commitment to delivering meaningful social value outcomes. This apprenticeship opportunity has been created to support local residents in accessing sustainable employment and developing valuable skills within the construction industry.

“Trey has now commenced his apprenticeship with Evers and has already established himself as a highly valued member of the Vigerons Way Site Team. From his very first day, his strong work ethic, enthusiasm, positive attitude, and genuine willingness to learn have been extremely impressive. He has made an excellent start, and we are delighted to support and develop his skills further over the duration of the project.” - John Blundell MCIOB Contracts Manager

The Vigerons Way development will provide seven 2 bedroom new council homes for Thurrock residents, helping to meet local housing needs while creating opportunities for local people. This apprenticeship is an excellent example of how partnership working can deliver benefits beyond the construction project itself.

For more information on the development: Vigerons Way Updates | Have my say | Thurrock Council

Work will begin over the next few months transforming the disused garage site in Vigerons Way, Chadwell St Mary, into 7 new affordable council homes.

The new homes are part of the Council’s commitment to provide new council homes in our communities.

TJ Evers have been appointed by the council as the main contractor to carry out the work.

The new homes are expected to be ready by spring 2027.

This project has been funded by UK Government through the Brownfield Land Release Fund (BLRF2). The council successfully bid for £127,178 from the Fund for the redevelopment of the disused garage sites.