The Thames Gateway will soon be looked upon as the template for green development the housing minister Yvette Cooper told the Thames Gateway Forum today. 'The entire built up area of the Thames Gateway will be a pioneering region for zero carbon emissions,' said Cooper.

Zero carbon

Developers are not only expected to deliver new zero carbon spaces, but also find ways to link the old buildings with the new technology. 'We're inviting effective proposals for eco towns in addition to the existing structures and brownfield sites,' said Cooper. The government investment towards this is £15m.

Talking about a new Gateway delivery plan, to be released tomorrow, Cooper pointed out three main areas -- economic growth and continued regeneration, investment in building skills, and tackling climatic changes – as key growth factors. To deliver this final vision of the Thames Gateway as a beautiful eco town, Terry Farrell is the chosen designer.

Investments

The Gateway expects to see investments from private businesses besides £500m from the government over the next three years, and various amounts by the public departments of housings, transports, skills, etc.

'The government's investment program will support the smaller towns and areas around the Gateway, and also the four big economic factors – Canary Wharf, Stratford, Ebbsfleet and Shellhaven – that will contribute to the Gateway's success in the future,' said Cooper.

The Thames Gateway Forum is backed by Property Week parent CMP Information.

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