Deputy prime minister John Prescott announces a new investment fund for Kent, Essex and London and launches a new delivery body.
The government is to provide 拢100m for new libraries, sports centres and arts venues in the Thames Gateway.
The funding package will also contribute towards new schools, business opportunities, health, training centres, nature parks and sustainable transport links.
Deputy prime minister John Prescott said: 鈥淭his investment will help local ommunities to enjoy a better quality of life in places that are attractive, prosperous, and welcoming.鈥�
The government also said it had set up a Thames Gateway Delivery Unit, which would be based in the Thames Gateway area and would drive development.
The 拢100m will be spent in London, Kent and Essex. Projects include 拢12m for land acquisition and remediation in Northfleet, Kent; 拢2m to fund environmental projects including the new Nevenden Country Park at Basildon; and 拢14.08m to acquire land in London.
The ODPM said the investment is in addition to the 拢446m announced by Prescott in February 2003.
