I have been asked a lot of questions about the Thames Gateway and what the government is planning. To address this, I have included a description from a short ebook I wrote last year.
Have a read below and I hope it helps...
"The Thames Gateway area, whichspans from the Isle of Dogs in London, to Southend in Essex and the Isle of Sheppey in Kent is broadly regarded as the Government’s solution to the housing crisis in the South East. It is hoped that the area will give rise to 160,000 homes and with it creating 180,000 jobs by 2016 in one of the biggest growth initiatives undertaken in the UK.
The Thames Gateway was established as a national policy priority in 1994, with the publication of the Thames Gateway Regional Planning Guidance. The launch of the Sustainable Communities plan in February 2003 put further focus on the Thames Gateway as one of the key south east growth areas.
To help achieve these aims the Gateway has the political impetus from the highest level. The Prime Minister is the chair of the cabinet committee, charged with overseeing the development of the Thames Gateway. The governmentspledge is £446 million for the Thames Gateway to help with land assembly, remediation of brownfield land and the delivery of additional affordable housing and local infrastructure."
Even in the current climate, as investors, we must be aware of larger influences that can have a positive impact on regional markets. Certainly the Thames Gateway would fall into this category. I have mentioned previously, there are always opportunities at a regional and local town level with regeneration and local grants. Certainly, if your strategy is to look for long term capital growth this should be a part of your approach.
