Thurrock, Essex

Town of Thurrock, Essex

Thurrock is a town with a unitary authority with borough status in the East of England, part of the geographical county of Essex.

The Borough of Thurrock lies on the River Thames just to the east of London. With over 29 km (18 miles) of riverfront it covers an area of 166 km˛ (64 square miles.

With Greater London to the west and the river to the south, the county of Essex abuts Thurrock to the north and east, and across the Thames lies Kent.

Thurrock has a population of over 145,000 people.

Historically, the area was renowned for mineral extraction, including clay, aggregates and notably the digging of huge amounts of chalk from the West Thurrock area for use in the now defunct cement industries. When chalk extraction ceased the disused pit was redeveloped as Lakeside Shopping Centre.

The present-day borough of Thurrock was created in 1974.

Thurrock was given administrative independence from Essex County Council on April 1, 1998

Being both on the river and right next to London, Thurrock is served with good communication links. The M25 London Orbital Motorway, the railway line between Southend and London Fenchurch Street provides direct access to Central London and, eventually, Stratford International Station, the Port of Tilbury and the nearby London City Airport make Thurrock an important international trade centre.

Lakeside Shopping Centre.

Lakeside Shopping Centre boasts over 320 shops, 4 major departments stores, 30 cafes and restaurants, a 7 screen multiplex cinema, a chapel, a 26 acre lake and parking for 13,000 cars and 250 coaches.

Official Town of Thurrock, Essex website: www.thurrock.gov.uk