Grays in Essex is one of the only town centres to be situated on the River Thames and lies at the heart of the Thames Gateway sub-region. Atkins was commissioned to produce a masterplan to establish the town as a civic and educational centre for the region and link the town centre back to the River Thames on which it stands.

We faced the challenge of reconciling the sometimes widely different agendas of the development corporation, the local authority and community and to balance aspiration with what is actually possible. We combined thorough technical investigation and analysis with ongoing communication and involvement to ensure the community felt informed and part of the process. The format, content and style of the final masterplan - both visually and verbally - ensured that the choices made and what they will deliver were clearly and effectively explained.

• Masterplanning & urban design
• Stakeholder & community engagement

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