Tilbury port expansion

The planned Tilbury port expansion

The Port of Tilbury is set to begin another consultation on its proposals to build a new port terminal.

The formal statutory consultation will open on Monday 19 June, seeking views from local communities and other stakeholders on its proposals to build a new port terminal and associated facilities near to the current port, known as Tilbury2.

Located in the Thames estuary, the port has been expanding fast over the past two decades as it experiences a significant increase in the volume of goods and products passing through it. As a result, customers in the port are now looking for more space to expand their businesses.

Demand for use of its facilities is expected to increase further in the next 15 years – a development that Tilbury2 would support.

The new terminal will be built on a 152-acre site that was part of the former Tilbury Power Station and will include a new deep-water jetty in the river Thames.

The port undertook an informal non-statutory consultation exercise earlier this year and the upcoming formal statutory consultation will seek views to help further refine the Tilbury2 proposals.

As part of the consultation, the port will be running a number of consultation events to give local communities the chance to find out more about the proposals.

Peter Ward, commercial director at the Port of Tilbury, said: “Our plan to create a new port in Tilbury is an exciting opportunity for not only the port and the local area but for our customers who are seeking more space to expand their own businesses. Tilbury2 has the potential to create jobs and support the expansion and growth of the Thurrock area.

“I’d encourage people to come along to one of our exhibitions during June and meet the team or go to our website where there is more detailed information about our proposals and a chance to complete an online survey from 19 June.”

Tilbury2 will act as a satellite of the main port and it would comprise a roll on/roll off ferry terminal for importing and exporting containers and trailers.

The new terminal is also likely to include a facility for importing and processing bulk construction materials to support demands from the UK’s building sector. And in the northern part of the site there is land available for the potential storage of a variety of goods, including cars.

The formal statutory consultation exercise runs from 19 June to 28 July 2017. The community consultation events, which are open to everyone to attend, will take place in June at the locations and on the dates below. More information and an online questionnaire can be found at www.tilbury2.co.uk.

1) Thameside Theatre, Orsett Road, Grays RM17 5DX

Wednesday 21 June 2017: 10.00am-12.00pm & 2.30pm-9.00pm

2) Tilbury Hub, Civic Square, Tilbury RM18 8AD

Monday 26th June 2017: 3.00pm-9.00pm

Wednesday 28th June 2017: 10.00am-5.00pm

3) The Gateway Primary Free School, Marshfoot Road, Tilbury/Chadwell-St-Mary RM16 4LU

Tuesday 27th June 2017: 3.00pm-9.00pm

4) Gravesend Old Town Hall, High Street, Gravesend, Kent, DA11 0AZ

Thursday 29th June 2017: 10.00am-12.00pm & 2.30pm-9.00pm