Royal Opera House Production Park

A visionary project to transform Thurrock!

The borough of Thurrock is a major part of Thames Gateway and covers 64 square miles. With a population of 143,000, 23 per cent aged under 25, some of Thurrock's communities experience the most acute levels of multiple deprivation in south Essex, together with associated social problems. The Draft East of England Plan target for Thurrock is 18,500 new dwellings and 26,000 new jobs.

The Royal Opera House Production Campus is a visionary project that will transform Thurrock. It includes:

·         state-of-the-art campus housing the Royal Opera House’s backstage production

·         National Skills Academy for the creative and cultural sector specialising in backstage production for performing arts

·         workspaces for creative businesses, artisans and artists

·         education and teaching facilities

·         residential accommodation

·         shared community spaces including a café, restaurant, offices, historic walled garden and orchard

The Arts Council’s contribution to the project is approximately £3 million, out of a total project cost of £28 million. The Royal Opera House facility and National Skills Academy are scheduled to open in 2009.

Key partners

·         Department for Communities and Local Government

·         Department for Culture, Media and Sport

·         Thames Gateway development agencies and partnerships

·         Thames Gateway local authorities

·         countryside and environment agencies

·         English Heritage

·         The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council

·         Screen East

·         Sport England

Documents