In the next fifteen years Thurrock will face many changes:

• A self-generated population increase of around 7% (10,000 people) but a potential incoming population of twice this number.
• Up to 17,000 new homes, densifying existing neighbourhoods but also creating new communities.
• Economic restructuring and a need for a vastly more skilled workforce.
• A major economic attractor in the form of the new Shell Haven port which will be one of Europe’s largest deep-water facilities.
• A new emphasis on sustainable waste management with the closure of the major landfill sites.
• The increasing threat of flooding, with high water levels becoming normal rather than rare.