Mid-Essex is set to prosper in the wake of Europe's largest regeneration project, Thames Gateway which will bring 180,000 new jobs to the south of the county.
The knock-on effect of expansion in the Thames Gateway will be continued prosperity for Chelmsford and Brentwood according to the latest annual report published by chartered surveyors Kemsley, Whiteley and Ferris.
Launched at the annual Thames Gateway Forum, the report provides an independent analysis on Thames Gateway and Essex commercial property.
Among the reports findings are that Braintree is the county's fastest growing district with 13,000 more people than in the last survey of 2001.
Chelmsford and Brentwood were the least deprived areas and Basildon the most deprived.
Southend was the county's unemployment black spot but only at the relatively low rate of 2.8 per cent.
The Gateway project is intended to deal with London's population rise of 800,000 by 2016, with over 7,400 acres available for development.
The report says the government is seeking 180,000 extra jobs by 2012. At least 300 companies will be relocating out of the new Olympic zone to make way for the games. Many companies will be heading for mid-Essex due to comparably favourable rental values.
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