A one-day charrette, an intensive, multi-disciplinary brainstorming workshop where visionary ideas are encouraged, took place on 24 May 2004 at the Barrel Store, Purfleet and was attended by leading international practitioners.

This charrette aimed to devise a visionary strategic framework for Purfleet focusing on public access to the riverfront.

Introduction
If the waterfront in Purfleet is to be opened up for public use, it will require high quality and inclusive urban design which provides access to the river from the inland residential areas. It will also require a shift in perception by the local community from seeing the river as an industrial site to recognising and engaging with its potential. The potential value of creating public access to the riverfront must also be understood as an economic commodity that acts as an attractor for future development in the area.

Thurrock’s 18 miles of river frontage has historically been the source of its importance, both commercial and military, and its economic success. The river is potentially the greatest resource for Thurrock, as a public space and leisure area and a focus for activity and social life. However its current use centres entirely on its commercial aspects with almost no public waterside activity.

More information on the Thames and Purfleet

The brief
The brief was to articulate how a more accessible riverfront at Purfleet could trigger long-term and sustainable urban and cultural renewal. Participants were asked to identify innovative and inclusive approaches to access the river and future developments along it. These included consideration of long-term community engagement mechanisms. Participants were asked to specifically consider the following questions:

• What would make this riverfront work as a successful and inclusive place to live, work, and play?
• How should the riverfront link with its northern urbanised areas?

To see the outcomes of this charrette, click here.

To see the overriding principles that emerged from all three charrettes, click here.