THE GREEN
Thames Estuary Growth Board BLUE. Action Plan 2020 WE’RE IN A GOOD PLACE. JOIN US. HELLO.
The launch of this Action Plan, In this complex and challenging post-COVID and post- significant role that, as a sector, it can play in growing the The Green Blue, is a key step for Brexit economic climate, we are helping to coordinate, economy. To that end, we are supporting the Thames clarify and bring forward Thames Estuary-based Estuary Production Corridor, the Estuary festival and the the Thames Estuary Growth Board investment propositions to drive growth. Growth implementation of Arts Council England’s new strategy and sets out our plans for the first opportunities across the Estuary that directly underpin ‘Let’s Create’. two years, looking ahead across the growth in the national economy. We are leading the We believe passionately that businesses are best placed development of pan-Estuary benefits linked to the next ten. But, the Thames Estuary to commission the skills that they need to grow. To that securing of a Government-awarded Freeport on the Growth Board is all about getting end, we are developing skills programmes for both the Estuary and we are spearheading the development of a Production Corridor and for the port and logistics sectors good things done, so we are already hydrogen ecosystem across the Estuary to enable the that will revolutionise the way that growth can be de- helping to make a number of great greening of our transport on land and water. risked through skills that really work. things happen. The Thames is an We are backing key infrastructure projects to make This Board, this place, this movement is all about great internationally iconic river whose sure they receive the investment they need and are green growth coursing deep with the blue of our Estuary delivered within timeframes that make sense. These estuary sits next to a world-class lifeblood, the Thames. Working together, we are going projects include the Lower Thames Crossing, improving and world-famous city. We are in to help deliver the kind of growth we as the Estuary, connectivity to Ebbsfleet, the protection and improved a good place. we as a nation, want. The kind of growth we need, the usage of the river’s piers and wharves and strategic road kind of growth we deserve. It’s going to be amazing. improvements. Come with us.
We recognise and value the role that culture and Kate Willard creativity play in happy and successful places and the Chair Thames Estuary Growth Board and Thames Estuary Envoy THE GREEN BLUE 3 Thames Estuary Growth Board Action Plan 2020 A GOOD PLACE TO GROW. THE GREEN BLUE.
This Action Plan The Thames Estuary is essential for the national The Estuary and this Plan offer a set of conditions will maximise the economy in ensuring economic recovery and unique within the country: growth. The Growth Board and Envoy will help benefits, potential and • By developing the economic potential of the catalyse national and regional government, local Thames Estuary, we have viable access to opportunities of the authorities, business and partners to work together international markets and directly into London. UK’s most important to deliver this plan. With a single and coherent No other part of the country can offer this voice to Government, we will help ensure we waterway, the River connectivity and access. Thames, and the land, deliver what’s needed; job growth, an appropriate transport infrastructure, major inward investment, • The impact of the Estuary on the national economy communities, places coherent and sensible housing expansion, a green is and will be greater than that of any other part of and businesses that energy infrastructure and a workforce ready to meet the country. are bound to it. the challenges and opportunities that are emerging. • The Thames is the iconic river of the country and its associations with the capital ensures we can promote the wider area internationally with real credibility.
THE GREEN BLUE 5 Thames Estuary Growth Board Action Plan 2020 A GOOD PLACE TO CONNECT. FOUNDATIONS FOR DELIVERY.
To deliver sustainable The Growth Board and Envoy are able to support • the delivery of an Estuary-wide hydrogen growth, the Estuary initiatives, schemes and innovation in a number infrastructure; of ways. Sometimes we will lead, sometimes we needs the right • improving connectivity to Ebbsfleet; will champion, sometimes we will hand hold – but infrastructure in place, always for good reason. We will be there when we • the Lower Thames Crossing, recognising that we being used at its are needed and not when we aren’t. will support and help work through remaining challenges and opportunities optimum potential. The following is a non-exhaustive list of foundation infrastructure initiatives that we will • the Thames Estuary Production Corridor; support in whatever way is appropriate: • delivering and enabling excellent digital • maximising Estuary-wide benefits from a Freeport infrastructure; for the Estuary; • sensible and thought-through housing growth, • improving and increasing use of the river and rail bringing clarity to the link between housing, to carry more passengers and freight of all types; employment and infrastructure and making sure the right infrastructure is in place to support • safeguarding and improving the use of wharves housing growth; and piers across the Estuary; • the right roads prioritised within the UK’S • the consolidation of Smithfield, Billingsgate strategic and major roads networks. and New Spitalfields markets at their new site on the Estuary;
THE GREEN BLUE 7 Thames Estuary Growth Board Action Plan 2020 A GOOD PLACE TO DO BUSINESS. THE PEOPLE THAT MAKE GOOD THINGS HAPPEN.
Delivering good growth The Thames Estuary has the right people. They • a new business-led skills commissioning and isn’t just about the nuts have passion. They have drive and entrepreneurial financing board; spirit. And they make things happen. and bolts. It’s about • improving and increasing use of the river and rail to people. People with the In terms of the delivery bodies, the leaders and carry passengers, linked to cycling and walking; the businesses themselves, they also need to work right skills, people with • a co-ordinated approach to transport across the together in strength and with a shared desire to Estuary with Transport for East, Transport for South the right opportunity win, to get things done and not to settle for the East and Transport for London; and motivation and ‘same old’. The Growth Board and the Envoy people who are properly will work with existing great partnerships, help • the Estuary festival in Spring 2021; connected. build new partnerships that work well and help • the delivery of Arts Council England’s Strategy to unravel those that might, for whatever reason, 2020- 2030 ‘Let’s Create’; have got tangled. • working with our Higher Education institutions The following is a non-exhaustive list of and others, support innovation and research and foundation people initiatives that we will support development, in particular with sustainable energy in whatever way is appropriate: and life sciences.
THE GREEN BLUE 9 Thames Estuary Growth Board Action Plan 2020 A GOOD PLACE TO INSPIRE. THE GREAT GREEN.
The Thames Estuary They are special, not exclusive, dynamic, not dusty. • a co-ordinated approach to green spaces across is beautiful. It is full of Supported properly, they will keep us happy, the Estuary; healthy and inspired. wonderful and special • the development of an action plan in response to places that need love, The following is a non-exhaustive list of the Government-commissioned natural capital foundation green initiatives that we will support in study; care and respect. And whatever way is appropriate: these places also need • championing the Estuary’s green spaces and • the greening of transport and energy across the places to support the visitor economy. to be used and enjoyed Estuary; by everyone. • improved access to green spaces and the riverside;
THE GREEN BLUE 11 Thames Estuary Growth Board Action Plan 2020 WE ARE THE GO-TO PL ACE. THE GO-TO PLACE.
The Estuary has long We will now reposition the Estuary as this amazing been a great place to area with huge potential. This means a shared plan that key stakeholders advocate, a successful brand invest and grow. From that is recognised internationally and an effective the Romans through to partnership with Government. modern times, it has Our reputation for getting good things done well been chosen for its will ensure that within two years, the Thames location, its connectivity, Estuary will be seen as the first place in the world its people. to invest.
THE GREEN BLUE 13 Thames Estuary Growth Board Action Plan 2020 WE ARE THE GO-TO PEOPLE. THE GO-TO PEOPLE.
The Thames Estuary Our work will be supplemented by the actions of the The Growth Board and the Envoy are looking Growth Board is building Thames Estuary Envoy, the Board Chair, who works forward to working with you to deliver this Plan independently with agility to unstick the stuck and and to make the Estuary brilliant. a reputation as the Board is loud and clear when needed. This strong and Whether you’ve got a question, a suggestion that gets things done. diverse Board is unified in its ambitions for growth or would just like to join us – we’d love to hear and committed to being the body that enables the from you. Estuary to capitalise on its outstanding potential for growth.
The Board will establish credibility and influence with those that matter. This includes investors, regional and national government, public, private and third sector organisations, businesses and the media.
THE GREEN BLUE 15 Thames Estuary Growth Board Action Plan 2020 BRENTWOODBrentwood
Romford BasildonBASILDON Stratford ROMFORD STRATFORD SOUTHEND-ON-SEASouthend-on-Sea BarkingBARKING DAGENHAM Dagenham CANVEYCanvey ISLAND LondonLONDON Docks Island DOCKS PURFLEETPurfleet Grays ThamesmeadTHAMESMEAD GRAYSTilbury WoolwichWOOLWICH GreenwichGREENWICH BEXLEYHEATHBexleyheath TILBURY Dartford DARTFORD SHEERNESS GRAVESEND Sheerness EbbsfleetEBBSFLEET Gravesend
ROCHESTER GILLINGHAM Rochester, Chatham, HERNE BAY CHATHAM Herne Bay Margate Gillingham WHITSTABLEWhitstable MARGATE
SITTINGBOURNESittingbourne RAMSGATE FavershamFAVERSHAM Ramsgate
CanterburyCANTERBURY WE’RE IN A MAIDSTONEMaidstone GOOD PLACE. WE’RE IN A GOOD PLACE. JOIN US.
REFERENCES.
Thames Estuary 2050 Commission Report
Government Response to the Thames Estuary Commission Report
THE GREEN BLUE 19 Thames Estuary Growth Board Action Plan 2020 APPENDIX.
Kate Willard – Envoy Executive Team Board Julian Ellerby Emily Buckley Rob Gledhill Ray Mia Ian Lewis Devrim Celal Roger Gough Robin Mortimer Matthew Norwell Gavin Chapman Martha Grekos Teresa O’Neill Stephen Dance Carla Guerrera Jules Pipe Anna Dunne Chris Hossack Darren Rodwell Ken Dytor Alan Jarrett Perry Glading Jeremy Kite
THE GREEN BLUE 20 Thames Estuary Growth Board Action Plan 2020