The transformation of the arrival port for the historic HMT Empire Windrush is one of 15 projects granted more than £30 million in total to mark the organisation’s 30th anniversary.
The projects will provide opportunities for locals to help regenerate the UK’s built heritage, leading to the redevelopment of over 1.06 million m² of land and the planting of over 100,000 trees.
Combined, they will directly supply 87 jobs and apprenticeships and over 620 volunteer roles.
“Tilbury has literally won the lottery!” said Scott Sullivan, co-founder of Tilbury on Thames Trust.
“We hope our project demonstrates how residents and businesses can come together to realise something special for their community.”
Tilbury Riverside Station sits within the internationally significant London Cruise Terminal, which in 1948, saw the arrival of the ship that brought the Windrush generation.
The £4,478,310 in funding will revitalise Tilbury, creating a thriving community hub and boosting the local economy.
Funding will allow a full regeneration of the station building, creating eight studio lets for local artists, a new café and redeveloped main ticket hall.
The project will create six volunteer roles, 302 volunteering opportunities and 9,000 volunteer hours, as well as almost 18,000 heritage engagement opportunities including exhibitions, community markets and workshops for locals and tourists.
“The Port of Tilbury is a gateway to the world along the River Thames, and we are proud of our maritime heritage and trade,” said Paul Dale, chair of Tilbury on the Thames Trust and chief operating officer of Forth Ports.
“Tilbury on the Thames Trust have had a vision for the Tilbury Riverside Station in partnership with the port for many years, and now this funding will bring the station back to life ensuring the local stories are told and preserving the rich history of the Riverside Station for generations to come.”
