Beckett argues Thames Gateway still 'strong'

Housing minister Margeret Beckett has argued that the £9.6bn Thames Gateway project will remain "strong" despite problems in the economy.

House building in the Gateway, a 40-mile area stretching through Kent and Essex, has stalled recently.

In October the South East England Development Agency (Seeda) said that ongoing projects in the region would be finished but that new projects were being put on hold because of tough trading conditions in the housing market.

But Beckett said: "The financial downturn poses new challenges for towns and communities across the country. But I believe that we have sound reasons to remain optimistic for the Gateway's long-term prospects.

"Over the past year the first contracts have been awarded for the construction of the world's most advanced container port, London Gateway.

"New schools and campuses have opened across the region, including the Financial Skills Academy at Tower Hamlets. Construction has begun on the Olympic stadium three months ahead of schedule."

Beckett is expected to announce plans this morning for a new "eco-quarter" within the Gateway at the Thames Gateway Forum, in which green technologies will be developed and tested, along with up to £35 million for parks and other open spaces within the region.