Thames Gateway Kent has made substantial and solid progress over recent years.

It has carried out a comprehensive assessment of its needs for investment; established local delivery frameworks and attracted significant initial funds from Government.

On the ground, iconic developments and world-class infrastructure have begun to appear. Worn out land is being recycled, communities hit by economic decline are being revived, and aspirations are starting to rise.

A rich cultural and architectural heritage is made richer by the diversity of its people. Outstanding North Downs countryside sweeps down to the big open skies of the Thames, Medway and Swale estuaries. These key assets form the strong basis for an accelerating renaissance.

The opportunities for the future are phenomenal. On the doorsteps of both London and Europe, close to strategic road and rail networks, with its own ports, and extensive ‘brownfield’ land available, there is a massive potential to transform past dereliction.

But, we will have to work hard to grasp these opportunities. The important challenges facing North Kent mean there is no guarantee its full potential will be realised.

In particular, the capacity of North Kent’s economy to support its current and projected populations is not yet sufficient.

We must therefore focus hard to achieve dynamic but sustainable employment-led growth, to create many more jobs in the fast-growing knowledge sectors and to encourage talented people to look here, rather than elsewhere, to make their way in the world.

But we also recognise that investing in infrastructure and creating a strong, modern economy are not ends in themselves. They are the means to achieve our aspirations to grow sustainable communities and to realise the full potential of Thames Gateway Kent.

The key need now is: “sustainable economic growth delivering jobs, investment in the future, and an improved quality of life for all who live and work in the Thames Gateway Kent area”.