EEDA publishes investment plan

The East of England Development Agency (EEDA) has worked with two other regional development agencies to draw up a plan which aims to turn the area into a research and business hub.

Under the Economic Development Investment Plan drawn up with the London Development Agency and the South East of England Development Agency, south Essex centres will receive funding for environmental research and development.

Dagenham Dock’s Sustainable Industries Park will focus on research and development of sustainable construction, renewable energy, waste, recycling and reuse.

The Bio-Renewable Energy Research Park will receive funding to continue its work on sustainable bio-energy technologies for electricity, heat and transport fuel.

Caroline Flint, housing minister, said: "The Economic Development Investment Plan will enable the delivery of a knowledge-driven, well connected, globally competitive region. It also demonstrates how economic growth and environmental sustainability can work together."

EEDA chair Richard Ellis said that progress was already underway towards a "major transformation" of the Thames Gateway.