About Thurrock
Based at the heart of the Thames Gateway in close proximity to the east of London, Thurrock is a dynamic part of the UK, with a mixture of urban centres, villages, countryside and heritage, and nationally important economic hubs and infrastructure. It covers 165 square kilometres, of which 70% is greenbelt land including ancient woodlands, many parks and open spaces, two historic forts, 18 miles of river frontage and a rapidly growing population. With good connectivity via the A13 and C2C railway line Thurrock is only half an hour’s journey from central London.
Thurrock’s larger towns are predominantly in the south of the borough, including Grays, Corringham, Purfleet-on-Thames and Tilbury, with rural villages in the north such as Orsett, Bulphan and Horndon on the Hill.
Three international ports bring thriving global trade to the area, to London and the rest of the UK (including a Freeport area). It is also home to Lakeside, one of the largest retail areas in a single location within Europe.
Thurrock has a population of around 176,000 residents which is increasing by over 10% every decade. 23% of residents are aged under 20 and 18.5% are over 65. 33.8% of residents in Thurrock identify as an ethnicity other than White British. 11.3% of residents do not speak English as their main language.
Overall levels of deprivation in Thurrock are lower than the national average, with a small percentage of areas among the 20% most deprived in England contrasting with some other areas amongst the 20% least deprived. The benefits of economic growth have not been felt equally across all parts of Thurrock.
The landscape and demographics of Thurrock are part of its identity and help shape the focus for service provision in the area.
- 35 minutes by train to the City of London
- 69,500 households and 7,000+ businesses
- Council has 49 councillors covering 20 wards
- The borough has two parliamentary constituencies: Thurrock and South Basildon & East Thurrock
- Our Children's Social Care and Early Help services are "Outstanding"
- Leading centre in ports and logistics, retail and creative industries
- Location of one of 8 Freeports - Thames Freeport
- Council owns 10,000 council houses including 1,200 sheltered and extra care homes
- Thurrock Council is one of the largest local employers with over 2,500 staff, approximately two thirds of whom are residents