The charrette proposed a visionary strategic framework for Purfleet. The central vision is that the river and its floodplain should be viewed as the major public realm in Purfleet – dedicated to public access, and temporary and permanent uses relating to the river.

Purfleet links the internationally important ecologies of the Thames, the new London Riverside Conservation Park (Rainham Marshes) and Thames Chase Forest. This creates a unique opportunity that must be harnessed. In addition the railway line runs near the riverfront, providing the possibility of public transport access to the river.

Flooding is currently perceived as the major risk in the Thames Gateway but the unique environment that tidal flooding creates could be seen as an exceptional resource. A world-class marine reserve should be designated in and around the river to highlight the importance of the Thames environment. An associated centre for marine studies could train local people as the new ‘park keepers’ and act as a new economic generator for the area.

Actions

• No houses to be allowed in the floodplain unless sustainably designed for flood conditions, for which prototypes could be developed.
• Encourage river transport for people and goods connecting to a new train station near the river.
• Redefine the local transport provision to provide appropriate permeable slow routes.
• New housing outside the floodplain to meet new minimum space standards and densities.
• Reinstate a new public slipway to the Thames.
• Encourage a community bridge building culture; designing bridges as a way to mend both physical and social divides in the area.

This is an innovative designation of the tidal Thames where flooding becomes an opportunity for social and ecological gain, and creates a major public realm in Thurrock.

Overriding principles from all three charrettes