Thurrock Council Civic Offices Scheme Given Green Light

Our Proposals for a new Civic Centre for Thurrock Council on Grays High Street, the first phase of the wider Grays south regeneration project, have been given planning permission by the Thurrock Council planning committee.

The new 3-storey building incorporates:

  • A modern, public facing, community-focused and fit-for-purpose building for residents and visitors
  • A new Registry Office and Ceremonial Garden to host weddings and ceremonies of a variety of sizes
  • Several multifunction committee rooms which will be available for use by the community for events and meetings
  • A new café which will be open to the public and will provide a new space for socialising, including an outside seating area and a space for studying or mobile working
  • A large reception area, which will be suitable for hosting art exhibitions and community events; and
  • A new south facing public seating area which will interact with the existing college square and make a positive impact on the public ream and appearance of the area.

LSI-Architects-Thurrock-Civic-Offices-Atrium

Visualisation of the New Atrium (above)

The building is arranged in two halves split by a central spine of circulation, with one half comprising committee rooms and party offices, and the other comprising the council chamber and public hub. The two halves are ‘carved’ to provide entrances, views in and out, and to enliven the elevation to the surrounding streets.

The development will also be highly sustainable, targeting BREEAM Outstanding, which will deliver significant cost savings and reduction in energy consumption; and will enable the future redevelopment of Council building CO1 to come forward for residential development delivering much needed town centre housing.

LSI Architects were awarded the contract by Thurrock Council in July 2018 via OJEU competition.

LSI-Architects-Thurrock-Civic-Offices-Elevation

 

Peter Courtney, Director at LSI Architects, commented “These proposals offer a considered response to a direct need of the council and we are delighted that the scheme has been given planning permission. We believe that the new building will capitalise on the opportunity to regenerate Grays South and bring a community focus to the lower high street, creating a stronger perceived connection over the railway and down to the river.

The introduction of this high quality building will add to the civic pride of the area, while respecting local heritage, and enhance the built environment for all.”