A multi-million pound proposal for a regeneration scheme to transform the heart of Purfleet in the Thames Gateway has been set out.

The proposed scheme could see up to an estimated £500 million invested through a joint public/private sector partnership in a new town centre, with up to 2,970 new homes built and 1,141 new jobs created.

A competition was also launched to find a partner for the intended joint venture with Thurrock Development Corporation that if approved would see 48 hectares of contaminated and derelict brownfield land brought back into use to help provide a new community for existing residents and 5,000 additional people.

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The planned redevelopment of the port side Essex town is the latest part of the Government's Thames Gateway programme, and would also provide a new school and health centre, a new employment area, improved train station and transport links and better access to the river front.

Communities Secretary John Denham said: "This scheme would provide local people in Purfleet with the community facilities they've long wanted and the homes they need. The benefits of the redevelopment would go way beyond Purfleet and provide a real boost to the Thames Gateway.

"Now it's for the private sector to come forward to show what can be done. I'm confident we'll get some innovative bids from developers. We'll be looking for high quality proposals that are affordable and deliver value for money for the taxpayer."

The Thurrock Development Corporation will now invite expressions of interest in becoming a development partner before inviting formal tenders at the turn of the year.

(CD)