Imperial's President joins leading figures from business and government to develop an ambitious vision for the future of the Thames Estuary region.

The Thames Estuary 2050 Growth Commission, launched this week, promises to boost productivity, attract and retain skilled workers and capitalise on major infrastructure works to “unleash growth for decades to come”. 

The region, which has a population of more than 3 million, stretches 40 miles from Canary Wharf in London to Southend in Essex and Thanet in Kent. It is recognised as a long-term national priority for growth. 

Led by Lord Heseltine, who is behind regeneration projects like London Docklands and Liverpool City Centre, the Commission will consult with businesses and other interested parties before submitting their plans to the Chancellor ahead of the Autumn Statement 2017. 

Professor Alice Gast said: The Thames Estuary region has shown itself to have enormous potential for growth. We now have a unique opportunity to harness the strengths of the region, build on past successes, and drive forward development to the benefit of the local community, the wider South East, and the UK as a whole. By improving opportunities for educational attainment at all levels in the region, we can raise aspirations and boost talent. I look forward to helping the Commission make their ambitious vision a reality. 

Lord Heseltine said: “This government is determined to ensure every part of the country benefits from a growing economy and all the evidence suggests that the Thames Estuary has incredible economic potential. 

“This Commission presents a wonderful opportunity, not only to make the most of plans already afoot, but to look beyond that and forge ahead with a vision to unleash growth for decades to come.”