grays town centre public consultation - thurrock...brian priestley . principal regeneration officer...

Enventure Research

Titan Business Centre, Central Arcade, Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire BD19 5DN

T: 01274 866845 F: 01274 877555 W: www.enventure.co.uk

Thurrock Council

Grays Town Centre

Public Consultation

March 2013

Grays Town Centre Consultation

Enventure Research 2

Report prepared for:

Brian Priestley Principal Regeneration Officer

Chief Executive's Delivery Unit

Report prepared by:

Mark Robinson

[email protected]

Report reviewed by:

Matthew Thurman

[email protected]

Enventure Research

Head Office:

Titan Business Centre, Central Arcade, Cleckheaton

West Yorkshire BD19 5DN

T: 01274 866845 F: 01274 877555

London Office:

Smithfield Business Centre, 5 St John's Lane, London, EC1M 4BH

T: 0207 549 1616

W: www.enventure.co.uk E: [email protected]



Executive Summary

Thurrock Council’s Community Regeneration Strategy and Local Development

Framework have identified Grays as a ‘Growth Hub’. As a result, the Council and its

partners wish to build upon the existing presence of civic function and cultural services

to support Gray’s development as the cultural, business and civic administrative centre

of the borough, together with a convenience retail offer.

To support this development Thurrock Council commissioned a public consultation

exercise to help inform and feed into the vision and strategy for regenerating Grays

town centre. The consultation, carried out throughout February 2013, took the form of

a telephone survey with residents from seven local wards, a face to face survey at

Grays railway station to capture commuter’ views, a student survey with 16-18 year

olds and an online survey which was promoted throughout Grays.

The consultation raised some interesting issues and concerns, but importantly

identified a range of opportunities that could be taken on board by Thurrock Council

and its partners with the aim of developing the town centre, what is has to offer and

increase the number of people using it.

One of the most compelling issues that respondents were not happy about was the

range of shops available in the town centre. Since Lakeside Shopping Centre opened

less than three miles away, Grays town centre has had a number of major national

shops close and relocate to the shopping centre. Respondents overwhelmingly wanted

to see a wider range of shops on offer and wanted to see the market, which was seen

positively, open on additional days of the weeks. Farmers markets were also seen as

something that would attract people into Grays.

The second most popular choice, increasing the range of bars, cafes and restaurants,

was seen as integral to encouraging more people into the town centre. This was

overwhelmingly so when considering increasing numbers visiting the town centre

potentially during the evening.

Respondents spoke favourably about the convenient location of Grays town centre and

the relative ease of getting around. However, improvements in public transport at the

weekend and bank holidays, including reducing car parking costs or even making car

parking free at these times, would improve general access into town and encourage a

greater footfall.

Attitudes towards personal safety were mixed but were highlighted as an important

element if Grays town centre is to be improved. To encourage more people to use the

centre during the evening, respondents believed that more police patrols and more

CCTV should be introduced.

Respondents spoke favourably about the theatre with many visiting on a regular basis.

Some, however, did think that the theatre could show a wider range of acts and

performances, and allow community and school use. Promotional deals such as a

‘meal and a show’ should be explored with the theatre and local restaurants. Lower

price tickets would also encourage greater use.

The consultation has explored some interesting issues and highlighted some key

concerns and opportunities for Thurrock Council and its partners to take on board and

explore to make Grays town centre a well liked and well used town centre.



Contents

Introduction .................................................. 5

Background .................................................................................... 5

Consultation Aims and Objectives ...................................................... 5

Methodology ................................................. 6

Research Findings ......................................... 8

Interpretation of Data ...................................................................... 8

Survey Sample Profile ...................................................................... 8

Visiting Grays Town Centre .............................................................. 11

Shopping in Grays Town Centre ....................................................... 16

Tameside Theatre .......................................................................... 18

Grays Market ................................................................................. 20

Satisfaction levels .......................................................................... 22

Improving Grays Town Centre ......................................................... 28

Positive aspects about Grays Town Centre ......................................... 30

Encouraging use of Grays Town Centre ............................................. 31

Further research ............................................................................ 33

Conclusions and Recommendations ............ 34

Appendices ................................................. 37

Appendix 1 – Questionnaire (Telephone, Railway Station & Online) ...... 38

Appendix 2 – Questionnaire (school) ................................................ 43



Introduction

Background Thurrock Council’s Community Regeneration Strategy and Local Development

Framework have identified Grays as a ‘Growth Hub’. As a result, the Council and its partners wish to build upon the existing presence of civic function and cultural services to support Gray’s development as the cultural, business and

civic administrative centre of the borough, together with a convenience retail offer. There are a number of regeneration initiatives currently being

developed by the Council and its partners to regenerate the town centre and the Thurrock Learning Campus. The college itself is being developed by South

Essex College and will bring 2000 students and staff in to the town centre from when it opens in September 2014.

Set against this backdrop the Council is aware that many residents and commuters that pass through Grays Rail Station do not use the town centre or

use it very little. It is felt that the future viability and vitality of the town centre depends to a large extent on tapping into this population and encouraging them to make better use of the town centre. The Council,

therefore, wished to undertake a public consultation exercise with a representative sample of residents, including young people from a local school,

and commuters using the railway station to inform the development of the vision and strategy for regenerating Grays Town Centre. Moreover, it was important not to restrict anyone from participating in the consultation so all

residents were given the opportunity to participate via an online survey.

Consultation Aims and Objectives

The aim of the consultation was to collect a representative sample of views on

the future of Grays town centre to inform the development of a vision and strategy for the future of Grays to provide the framework for developing a

programme of activity for regeneration.

Within this, the objectives were to:

Establish current usage of the town centre

Identify key barriers to using the town centre

Identify where people go for services and facilities

Identify changes users and non-users would like to see made to the

town centre

Explore ways to encourage people to use the town centre



Methodology Questionnaire design and survey approach The public consultation used a number of approaches to ensure views were

representative and from a wide reaching community. The questionnaire which differed

slightly for each approach was designed by Enventure Research and Thurrock Council

and covered the following topics:

Frequency of visits

Reason for visit

Length of stay

Travel

Rating of the facilities

Improvements

The questionnaire with residents, visitors and commuters also included questions to

record key demographic information, including age, gender, ethnicity and ward to

ensure the sample was representative of the area. A copy of each questionnaire can

be found in the Appendices. The four different quantitative approaches are as follows.

Representative telephone survey of residents A telephone survey was conducted with a representative sample size of 750 residents

(aged 18 and over) in the seven wards that make up Grays and the adjoining urban

area known as Chafford Hundred, namely:

Chafford and North Stifford

Grays Riverside

Grays Thurrock

Little Thurrock Blackshots

Little Thurrock Rectory

South Chafford

Stifford Clays

To ensure the sample was representative, telephone interviews were carried out at

various times of the day and on different days in the week, including weekends.

Survey with commuters using Grays Town Centre Interviewers, registered with the Interview Quality Control Scheme (ICQCS), carried

out interviews at Grays Railway Station (aged 18 and over), in the main concourse.

Interviewers approached every 10th person to ask them to participate in the survey.

All interviewing staff displayed a photographic identification badge and carried a letter

of authority from Thurrock Council.

Survey with young people aged 16-18, from a local school To ensure views and opinions from young people aged 16-18 were taken into

consideration, The Grays School Media Arts College kindly agreed to take part. A total

of 278 questionnaires were completed by students.

Online survey It was important to also open the survey to all Thurrock residents so that the survey

was inclusive and not exclusive. In total, 166 people took part in the online survey.



Timescales The telephone survey with residents and survey with commuters was undertaken from

22 February to 11 March. The school survey was carried out after the half term break

during week commencing 4 March to 8 March. The online survey, which was open to

all residents, was open from 22 March and closed 11 March.



49% 51% 50% 50%

Male Female

Respondent sample Ward profile

Research Findings This chapter presents the findings of the public consultation. Results from the

representative sample, school survey and online survey have been commented on

separately.

Interpretation of Data In some instances, the responses to the survey may not add up to 100%. There are

several reasons why this might happen: the question may have allowed each

respondent to give more than one answer; only the most common responses may be

shown in the chart or table, or individual percentages are rounded to the nearest

whole number so the total may come to 99% or 101%.

When discussing the ‘combined sample’, it is referring to the telephone and face to

face survey.

Survey Sample Profile Table 1 shows the number of questionnaires completed for the telephone survey, face

to face survey at Grays railway station, school survey and online survey. The

telephone survey is representative

Table 1 – Number of completed questionnaires

Local Authority Number of residents

Telephone interview 750

Grays railway station (face to face) 250

School survey (16-18 year olds) 278

Online survey (open to all residents) 166

Total number of residents 1,444

Figure 1 presents the gender split of the telephone sample. The most recent

demographic data provided by Thurrock Council shows a 50%/50% split between male

and female. The combined telephone and face to face surveys achieved a 49%

male/51% female split.

Figure 1 – Gender

Base: All respondents (Combined - 1,000)



20%

20%

14%

18%

35%

39%

38%

41%

24%

29%

36%

32%

21%

12%

13%

9%

Census

Telephone sample

Overall sample

Railway station sample

18-29 30-44 45-59 60+

78%

81%

70%

4%

3%

8%

2%

2%

2%

14%

12%

19%

2%

2%

2%

Overall sample

Telephone sample


White (British) White (Other) Mixed/Multiple Ethnic Group

Asian/Black British/Other Other Ethnic Group

As shown in Figure 2, a representative sample of age groups was achieved for the

telephone survey. Slightly more 45-59 years olds were spoken to and slightly less

60+ residents were spoken to than the quotas based on the census for the seven

wards. When the face to face survey is included, there are less 18-29 year olds and

less 60+ included in the survey.

Figure 2 – Age

Base: All respondents (Combined – 1,000, Telephone – 750, Railway station –

250)

Figure 3 shows the ethnic breakdown of the sample, where overall, 78% of

respondents were ‘White British’ and 14% were ‘Asian/Black British/Other’. For the

telephone survey, there were slightly more ‘White (British)’ included and slightly less

‘Asian/Black British/Other’.

Figure 3 – Ethnicity

Base: All respondents (1,000)



Respondents for the telephone survey lived in one of seven wards identified by

Thurrock Council. The sample of telephone respondents closely matches the quotas

set for each ward as shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4 - Ward

Base: Telephone survey respondents (750)

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

Chafford and North Stifford

Grays Riverside

Grays Thurrock

Little Thurrock Blackshots

Little Thurrock Rectory

South Chafford

Stifford Clays

Respondent sample Ward profile



17%

14%

28%

19%

25%

24%

23%

27%

26%

34%

24%

25%

22%

18%

16%

11%

12%

8%

14%

7%

12%

13%

7%

7%

7%

12%

13%

8%

12%

9%

1%

1%

1%

1%

4%

2%

Telephone & railway station combined

Telephone sample


School sample

Online sample

Everyday 2-3 times a week Once a week

Once a fortnight Once a month Less than once a month

First time Not al all

Visiting Grays Town Centre

Respondents were asked how often they visited Grays Town Centre. Two thirds

(65%) of respondents interviewed (telephone and railway station sample combined)

visited Grays at least once a week, with nearly one in four (24%) visiting two to three

times a week and one in six (17%) visiting once a week. One quarter of combined

respondents visited less frequently – once a month or less often.

Not surprisingly, respondents interviewed at the railway station visited Grays Town

Centre more frequently (77% visiting at least once a week) than those interviewed by

telephone (52%).

One in five (19%) student respondents visited the town centre on a daily basis, with a

further quarter (26%) visiting two to three times a week. Just over a third (35%) of

students visited the town centre less frequently – once a fortnight or less.

Respondents from the online survey were more likely to visit the town centre at least

two to three times a week than any other respondent.

These results are shown in Figure 5 below.

Figure 5 – How often do you visit Grays Town Centre?

Base: All respondents – Combined telephone and railway station (1,000),

Telephone (750), Railway (250), School (263) Online (166)



Figure 6 shows the differences between age in terms of the frequency of visit.

Respondents aged 18-29 were more likely to visit Grays town centre on a regular basis

(once a week or more) with one quarter (26%) visiting on a daily basis and a further

third (34%) visiting two to three times a week.

Those respondents aged over 60 were more likely to visit either two to three times a

week or weekly than any other age group with almost three in five doing so.

Figure 6 – How often do you visit Grays Town Centre? By Age

Base: Combined telephone and railway station (1,000),

Respondents visited Grays Town Centre for a wide range of reasons, as shown in

Figure 7), however, the two most popular responses cited by the combined

respondents were Shopping – food/household and Visit bank/building society. One

third of the combined respondents (33%) said they visited the town centre for

Shopping - food / household, followed by three in ten (30%) that said they visited the

bank / building society.

There were no significant differences between the gender of those respondents visiting

the shops or banks, however, there was a significant difference depending on the age

of respondent, with those aged over 60 far more likely to make a visit to the shops for

food / household goods and/or the bank / building society than respondents in any

other age group.

Participants from the online survey were more likely to visit the town centre for the

same reasons, with three in five claiming to visit for shopping – food / household and

half (49%) to visit the bank / building society.

One in seven respondents (14%) of the combined surveys visited the town centre for

shopping – other.

13%

15%

18%

26%

30%

20%

20%

34%

27%

28%

23%

14%

7%

11%

13%

10%

13%

13%

11%

10%

10%

13%

15%

5% 1%

60+

44-59

30-44

18-29

Everyday 2-3 times a week Once a week

Once a fortnight Once a month Less than once a month

First time



Not surprisingly, respondents interviewed at the Railway station were more likely to

visit the town centre to either work in Grays (7%) or commute to somewhere else

(24%), compared with telephone survey respondents of 7% and 3% respectively.

However, more online respondents claimed to visit Grays Town Centre to work in

Grays (26%) or to commute (16%).

Respondents aged over 60 were more likely to visit the town centre to do Shopping

(food and household) (47%) and visit the bank / building society (41%) than any

other age group. Respondents in the younger aged bracket of 18-29, were far more

likely to visit the town centre to commute to work elsewhere (19%) or to attend

college (16%).

Figure 7 - Why have you visited Grays Town Centre?

Base: Combined telephone and railway station – 995, Telephone – 745,

Railway station - 250

Respondents provided a range of other reasons which are listed in Table 2. Only

those mentioned by four or more respondents have been included. Visiting the

hospital or doctors and hairdressers / beauticians were the most popular other reasons

given.

7%

8%

20%

7%

22%

3%

26%

16%

23%

49%

60%

2%

1%

0%

2%

4%

7%

24%

7%

8%

14%

1%

1%

3%

4%

2%

7%

3%

17%

38%

40%

1%

1%

1%

2%

3%

3%

7%

8%

14%

30%

33%

Function

To visit Council offices

Library

To eat out

Catch train/bus

College/education

Work in Grays

To commute

Shopping - other

Visit bank/building society

Shopping - food/household

Combined Telephone sample Railway station sample Online



Table 2: Why visit Grays Town Centre – Other Reasons

Base 166 (From the combined survey sample)

Reason Number of

respondents

Percentage

(base 166)

Health centre/doctors 36 22%

Hairdressers/beauticians 25 15%

Visiting family 16 10%

Visiting for the day 11 7%

Look for work 12 7%

Business 5 3%

Church 4 3%

Meeting someone 4 3%

All respondents were asked how they travelled to Grays Town Centre on their last visit.

The figures are shown in Figure 8. One third (33%) of respondents from the

combined sample had walked, whilst six in ten respondents (61%) had travelled by

car. However, when comparing respondents, it was interesting to see that those

respondents from the telephone survey were nearly twice as likely to travel to the

town centre by car (69%) as those respondents in the Railway station sample (37%).

Travelling by bus and train was only mentioned by 11% and 8% respectively of the

combined survey sample. However, one in five (21%) respondents from the Railway

station sample used the train in comparison to just 3% of telephone respondents.

Those respondents over the age of 30 were more likely to travel to Grays town centre

by car than any other age group and those respondents in the age brackets of 18-30

and 60+ were more likely to use the bus to travel to the town centre. Slightly more

respondents from the 18-30 age bracket (37%) also walked to the town centre

compared with the other age groups.

Respondents living in Grays Riverside were the least likely to travel to the town centre

by car (39%) compared with the other wards, and accordingly they were the most

likely to walk to the town centre (63%). This was closely followed by Grays Thurrock,

where almost three in five respondents (57%) walked to the town centre.

Four in five (80%) students walked to the town centre, whereas, just over a third

(36%) travelled by car. Almost three in ten students either used the bus or train to

travel to Grays.

Half (50%) of respondents from the online survey walked to the town centre, whereas

almost two thirds (65%) from the telephone survey travelled by car. A smaller

number of these respondents used public transport – 8% used trains and 8% used

buses.



Figure 8 - How do you travel to Grays?

Base: Combined telephone and railway station – 993, Telephone – 745

Railway station - 248

When asked how long a typical visit to Grays town centre lasted, the answers did not

differ significantly between surveys, with approximately four in ten (44%) of

respondents visiting for less than one hour and a further four in ten (43%) visiting for

one to two hours. The only significant difference between respondent type was that

respondents interviewed at the Railway station were more likely to stay two to four

hours than respondents interviewed in the telephone survey.

Moreover, respondents aged over 60 were more likely to stay one to two hours than

any other age group, and respondents living in Little Thurrock Blackshots were more

likely (58%) to stay less than one hour than respondents in the other six wards. The

results can be seen in Figure 9.

Figure 9 - How long usually stay

Base: All respondents – Combined telephone and railway station (993),

Telephone (745), Railway (248), School (263) Online (159)

50%

80%

37%

32%

33%

8%

6%

21%

3%

8%

8%

22%

13%

10%

11%

65%

36%

37%

69%

61%

Online sample

School sample


Telephone sample

Telephone and Railway combined

Walk Cycle Taxi Train Bus Car

43%

44%

40%

46%

44%

41%

41%

43%

42%

43%

11%

12%

11%

7%

8%

5%

3%

6%

5%

5%

Online sample

School sample


Telephone sample


Less than one hour 1 to 2 hours 2 to 4 hours 4 hours or more



Shopping in Grays Town Centre

When asked if Grays Town Centre was the main place respondents shopped, four in

ten (41%) said it was for food / household and one in seven (14%) said it was for

their other shopping. However, almost two thirds (65%) said it was not their main

place to shop.

Interestingly, respondents at the Railway station were more likely to say that Grays

was their main place for food / household shopping in particular (51%) compared with

38% of the telephone sample, and other shopping (17%), compared with 13% of the

telephone sample respondents.

Those respondents aged 60 and over were also more likely to do their main food /

household shopping in Grays town centre than any other age group.

Moreover, respondents in Grays Riverside were more likely to do their main food /

household shopping in Grays town centre, than respondents in any other ward. In

contrast, respondents in Chafford and North Stifford were the most likely not to do

their main shopping in Grays town centre (82%).

Figure 10 - Is Grays the main place you shop?

Combined telephone and railway station (995), Telephone (745), Railway

(250), Online (160)

66%

48%

70%

65%

8%

17%

13%

14%

30%

51%

38%

41%

Online


Telephone sample


sample

Yes - food/household Yes - other No



Students were also asked if Grays town centre was the main town they visited. Four

in five (80%) students said Yes, it was the main town they visited. One in five (20%)

said No, it was not the main town. This is shown in Figure 11.

Figure 11 - Is Grays the main town you visit? School survey

Base 240

Of those respondents that said Grays was not their main place to do the shopping,

almost three-quarters of (73%) from the combined surveys said their main place to

shop was Lakeside Shopping Centre, as shown in Figure 12. Respondents taking part

in the telephone survey were more likely (just over three-quarters, 77%) to shop at

Lakeside Shopping Centre than those interviewed at the railway station (just over half,

53%). Interestingly, respondents from the 30-44 age group and those living in

Stifford Clays, were more likely to visit Lakeside than any other age group or ward.

Respondents from the Railway station survey were more likely to say their main place

for shopping was London, suggesting that these either commuted near to, or to and

from London.

Tilbury was the second most popular alternative to Grays town centre for shopping.

From the combined survey, one in seven (14%) of respondents named Tilbury.

Figure 12 - Which is the main place you do your shopping?

Base: Combined telephone and railway – 643, Telephone – 522, Railway

station - 121

Yes, 80%

No, 20%

73%

14%

3% 1% 2% 1%

77%

15%

1% 1% 2%

54%

11% 12%

1% 3% 2%

Lakeside Tilbury London Thurrock Nowhere else Southend

Combined sample Telephone sample Railway station sample



Thameside Theatre

Respondents were asked how often they used the Thameside Theatre. Overall, only

small numbers used the facility as often as six or more times a year. Respondents

from the online survey were more likely to use it more often. One in five (20%) used

the theatre more than three to five times a year. Respondents from the Railway

station survey were the least likely to use the theatre with 15% claiming to visit at

least three to five times a year. Half of respondents claimed to never visit the theatre.

Students were the least likely to visit the theatre, with three in five (59%) claiming

they never visited the theatre. Figure 13 illustrates these results.

Figure 13 - How often do you use the Tameside Theatre?

Base: Combined telephone and railway (1,000), Telephone (750), Railway

(250), School (273), Online (163)

Respondents were also asked what improvements or changes in usage could be made

to the theatre to improve it and encourage more use. Figure 14 shows that almost

three in five (58%) of respondents from the online sample would like a wider range of

acts / performances. This improvement was also highlighted by almost two in five

(38%) of telephone survey respondents and one is six (16%) railway station

respondents.

Allowing community use was mentioned by three in ten (30%) of respondents from

the online survey.

Other options suggested included promoting the shows and theatre better, lowering

the cost of ticket prices and offering discount packages such as an evening meal and

theatre ticket, showing old and specialist films and improving the seating and the

current seating is not very comfortable.

9%

4%

7%

6%

7%

10%

8%

8%

9%

9%

40%

30%

36%

41%

39%

41%

59%

50%

44%

45%

Online sample

School sample


Telephone sample

Telephone and railway station combined

More than 6 times a year 3-5 times a year 1-2 times a year Never



Figure 14 - Are there any improvements or changes in usage that could be

made in the way the theatre is currently used?

Combined telephone and railway station (1000), Telephone (750), Railway

(250), Online (163)

Students were also asked the question what improvements or changes could be made

to the theatre and were given the additional option of events for younger people. The

results can be seen in Figure 15. It was interesting to see that only one in ten (10%)

said events for younger people, with just over one third (36%) saying they would

introduce a wider range of acts / performances.

Figure 15 - Are there any improvements or changes in usage that could be

made in the way the theatre is currently used? School results

Base 273

7%

40%

10%

33%

58%

16%

38%

21%

29%

6%

25%

10%

30%

4%

20%

8%

23%

30%

40%

33%

13%

15%

6%

13%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%

Online sample


Telephone sample

Combined telephone and railway station sample

Other Don't know

Community use School use

Wider range of acts / performances No improvements needed

2% 36% 39% 14% 10% 39% School sample

No improvements needed Wider range of acts / performances School use Community use Events for younger people Don't know



Grays Market

The market in Grays town centre is open twice a week on Fridays and Saturdays. The

market is well used and popular with shoppers. As part of the consultation, Thurrock

Council wanted to explore the options of developing the market. Respondents were

asked if they would visit the market if it was open on additional days.

Positively, six in ten (60%) respondents of the combined sample said it would be likely

or very likely that they would visit the market if there were additional market days or

different types of market. Respondents from the railway station were particularly

positive about this suggestion, with just over one third (34%) claiming it would be

very likely and just under one third (31%) claiming it to be likely.

Respondents from the online survey were still positive about this suggestion, but only

two in five (40%) said they would be likely or very likely to visit. Three in five of these

respondents (59%) said not very likely or not at all. This is compare to two in five

(40%) of respondents from the combined survey.

There were no significant differences between age, gender or ethnicity, but

respondents living in Little Thurrock Blackshots and Grays Thurrock, were the most

positive about holding additional market days or different types of market.

Figure 16 - How likely would you visit the market if there were additional

market days or different types of market?

Base: Combined telephone and railway station (1,000), Telephone (750),

Railway Station (250), Online (163)

Respondents were also asked which other types of market they thought should be held

to encourage more use. The results are displayed in Figure 17. The most popular

choice cited by respondents was a farmers market. Almost three-quarters (73%) of

respondents in the combined survey said farmers markets, with four in every five

(80%) of respondents from the online survey saying the same. Interestingly,

respondents living in South Chafford were more likely to say farmers market than

those from any other ward.

14%

34%

18%

22%

26%

31%

40%

38%

37%

27%

24%

24%

22%

8%

19%

16%

Online sample


Telephone sample

Combined telephone and railway station sample

Very likely Likley Not very likely Not at all



The second most popular suggestion was to introduce specialist market days which

was suggested by just over one-third (36%) of respondents from the combined

survey. This suggestion, however, was more popular with online respondents, as

three in five (59%) of them suggested specialist market days. Flea markets were also

suggested by one-third of all respondents.

Figure 17 - Which other types of markets should be used?

Base: Combined telephone and railway station (1,000), Telephone (750),

Railway Station (250), Online (66)

73% 71% 78% 80%

36% 35% 40%

59%

29% 27% 33% 32%

10% 11% 8%

0 7% 8%

4% 9%

Combined Sample Telephone sample Railway station Online

Farmers market Specialist Flea Market Don't know Other



Satisfaction levels

Respondents were asked to rate a variety of facilities and services on a scale of very

good to very poor. This section is divided into four key areas:

Travel

Safety and anti-social behaviour

Public facilities Shopping, leisure and culture

Travel

Public Transport

As show in Figure 18, almost half (48%) of respondents rated public transport as

either good or very good. Respondents from the Railway station sample were more

positive than those from the telephone sample, however, this could be explained by

the possibility that they are more likely to use public transport as they were

interviewed at the Railway station. The vast majority of those respondents claiming

don’t know, were from the telephone sample. One in five (21%) respondents rated

public transport as average, with those from the Railway station sample more likely to

do so.

Females were more likely to be positive about public transport, as were those

respondents aged 18-29.

Respondents from the online survey mirrored these responses, with just over half

(52%) saying that public transport was either good or very good. Only one in twelve

(8%) said it was poor or very poor.

Students were even more positive, with three in five (60%) reporting that public

transport was good or very good.

Car parking

As shown in Figure 18, just over two in five (43%) of respondents said car parking was

good or very good, with almost three in ten respondents saying it was average.

Nearly one quarter (24%) of respondents, however, said car parking was either poor

or very poor. Respondents in the 60+ age category were more likely to be critical of

car parking.

Respondents from the online survey, however, were more critical with just over one

third (34%) saying car parking was poor or very poor. In comparison, only 22% said

car parking was good or very good.



Figure 18 – Public transport satisfaction

Base: Telephone and railway station combined (1,000)

Ease of access into the town centre

Over two in five respondents said access into the town centre was good or very good

with one in six saying it was poor or very poor. Females and those aged 18-29 were

more likely to say access was good or very good.

Respondents from the online survey were also less positive; with just over one third

(35%) saying access was poor or very poor. Only 29% said the access around the

town was good or very good.

Ease of getting around the town centre

Once in the town centre, respondents were more positive about the ability and ease of

getting around. As shown in Figure 18, over two thirds of respondents said either

good or very good, with those aged 18-29 more likely to agree with these statements.

Respondents over the age of 60 were more likely to be negative about the ease of

getting around.

Respondents from the online survey were not as positive, with two in five saying the

ability for getting around the town centre was good or very good. More were negative

about this, with nearly one quarter (24%) of respondents saying poor or very poor.

15%

13%

9%

13%

50%

41%

34%

35%

27%

28%

28%

21%

5%

11%

15%

5%

3%

6%

9%

2%

1%

1%

6%

24%

Ease of getting around

Ease of access into the town

Car parking

Public transport

Very good Good Average Poor Very poor Don't know



Safety and anti-social behaviour Personal safety

Just over one in five (22%) respondents said good or very good when asked to rate

personal safety in the evening, with over two in five (45%) saying poor or very poor.

There were no significant differences between gender, age or ethnicity, but those living

in Little Thurrock Blackshots were far more likely to say poor or very poor, with three-

quarters (75%) doing so.

Respondents from the online survey were more critical, with three in five (60%) rating

personal safety as poor or very poor. Only one in ten (11%) rated it as good or very

good.

Almost two in five (38%) of students rated personal safety poor or very poor. In

comparison, 16% of students rated personal safety as good or very good.

Litter/graffiti levels

As can be seen in Figure 19, respondents were slightly more positive about litter and

graffiti levels, with almost three in ten (28%) rating litter and graffiti levels as good or

very good. Fewer respondents rated them as poor or very poor, with just over one

third (34%) doing so, with those aged 60 or over more likely to. Just over one in

three (36%) respondents, rated litter and graffiti levels as average.

Online respondents were more critical with nearly half rating little and graffiti levels as

poor or very poor. Fewer respondents (17%) provided a rating of good or very good.

Figure 19 – Safety and anti-social behaviour


4%

4%

24%

18%

36%

21%

22%

21%

12%

24%

3%

12%

Litter/graffiti levels

Personal safety in evening




Public facilities

Toilet facilities

As shown in Figure 20, one fifth of respondents thought the toilet facilities in the town

centre were good or very good. Just over one third (34%) of respondents rated the

facilities as poor or very poor, with those aged over 44 more likely to rate them as

poor or very poor. Females and those respondents from the Railway station sample

were more likely to rate them as good or very good.

Online respondents were more critical, with half rating public toilet facilities as poor or

very poor. Only 18% of online respondents rated the toilets as good or very good.

Students were slightly more positive than online respondents, with nearly one in five

(19%) rating them as good or very good. However, over half (53%) did also rate

them as poor or very poor. Only one in four (27%) rated them as average.

Facilities for the disabled

Just over one in five respondents (21%) rated facilities for the disabled as good or

very good. In contrast, one in eight (13%) rated them as poor or very poor. Almost

two in five (38%) respondents said they don’t know.

Online respondents were more critical, with just over one in five (21%) rating the

facilities as poor or very poor.

Figure 20 – Public facilities


4%

7%

17%

18%

28%

28%

8%

20%

5%

14%

38%

13%

Facilities for the disabled

Toilet facilities




Shopping, leisure and culture

Selection/range of shops

As shown in Figure 21, one in six respondents (16%) rated the selection and range of

shops as good or very good. However, this is in stark contrast to over half (54%) of

respondents that rated them as poor or very poor. Nearly one third (29%) thought

average. Those aged over 44 were more likely to be negative. Online participants

were even more negative, with four in five rating them as poor or very poor. Only

16% of online respondents rated the selection and ranges of shops as good or very

good.

Students, however, were not quite as negative, with 41% rating the selection and

range of shops as poor or very poor. As with the combined survey, one in six (16%)

of students rated the selection and range of shops as good or very good.

Cultural facilities

Respondents were asked to rate cultural facilities in the town centre. Nearly one in

five (18%) respondents rated them as good or very good. However, more

respondents rated them poor or very poor. Nearly one third (31%) were negative and

tended to be aged either 30-44 or 45-59. Those aged 18-29 tended to be more

neutral and rated them as average.

Again, online respondent were more critical. Well over half (54%) of these

respondents rated cultural facilities as poor or very poor, with only 8% rating them as

good or very good.

Students were more positive, with just over one quarter (27%) rating cultural facilities

as good or very good.

Figure 21 – Shopping, leisure and culture


1%

2%

4%

3%

8%

9%

14%

13%

25%

21%

31%

29%

29%

31%

25%

33%

23%

32%

16%

21%

14%

5%

10%

1%

Range of public events

Leisure activities / entertainment

Cultural facilities

Selection/range of shops




Leisure activities/entertainment

Respondents were more negative towards leisure activities and entertainment. Only

11% of respondents rated them as good or very good, with 18-29 year olds being the

most positive. Nearly two thirds of respondents, however, rated leisure activities and

entertainment as poor or very poor, with those living in Little Thurrock Rectory being

significantly more negative than those in other wards.

Only 2% of online respondents rated leisure activities and entertainment as good or

very good. The vast majority, 82%, rated them as poor or very poor.

Students also thought negatively about leisure activities and entertainment, with three

quarters (76%) rating them as poor or very poor. Only 7% rated them as good or

very good.

Range of public events

Respondent rating for the range of public events, as shown in Figure 21, was just as

negative than the rating of leisure activities and entertainment. Less than one in ten

(9%) rated them as good or very good, with just over half (52%) rating them as poor

or very poor. As many as one in seven (14%) of respondents stated they don’t know.

Online and student respondents were equally critical, with 70% and 67% rating them

as poor or very poor respectively. Only 3% and 8% rated them good or very good

respectively.



Improving Grays Town Centre

Respondents were given a number of scenarios and were asked to rate how likely,

using a scale of very likely to not at all, it would encourage people to visit Grays town

centre more. Figure 22 shows all options in order of the likeliness that respondents

believe they would encourage people to use the town centre.

A wider range of shops was highlighted as the most likely to encourage people to

the town centre. Nearly all (95%) of respondents said a wider range of shops would

likely or very likely encourage more people. Only 4% said not very likely and 1% said

that there is sufficient already. This was mirrored in the online survey where 97% of

respondents said the same, whereas this was said by 90% of students.

Activities for younger people and Better use of the river (walks) were the

second most popular suggestions. Over four in five respondents (85%) said both

suggestions were likely or very likely to encourage people to use the town centre.

Only one in eight (13%) thought either were not very likely or would not at all

encourage more people. Online respondents were less likely to agree with this and

unsurprisingly, four in five (79%) students thought this would encourage people.

Over four in five (84%) respondents thought better facilities for shoppers would be

likely or very likely to encourage people to the town centre. Only 3% thought there

was sufficient facilities already. Interestingly, those aged 18-29 were more likely to

say likely or very likely to this statement. Four in five (79%) online respondents and

four in five students (81%) also said this would likely or very likely encourage people

to the town centre.

Improving the evening offer (restaurants and bars) was mentioned as likely or

very likely by just over three in four (83%) respondents. Those aged 30-44 and those

interviewed at the Railway station were more likely to say this. Only 3% said the

evening offer was sufficient already and 3% said it would not at all encourage people

to the town.

Lower car park charges was mentioned as very likely by nearly half (48%) of

respondents, with a further three in ten (30%) saying it would likely encourage people

into town. Online respondents did not think lower car park charges would be as

encouraging, as only two in five (39%) said very likely, and two in five (39%) said

likely. Students were less likely to agree, with 68% saying lower car park charges

would encourage people into town. Interestingly, one in twelve (8%) thought the cost

of park was acceptable.

Improvements to street lighting and street signs were mentioned as a likely or

very likely factor to encourage people to the town centre by nearly three quarters

(73%) of respondents. It was particularly mentioned by respondents in the 18-29 age

bracket, with almost nine in ten (87%) saying so.

Just over one in five (21%) respondents thought public transport was sufficient as it

was, however, nearly all of these had taken part in the telephone survey, which could

mean that a significant number did not use public transport. Interestingly, only 3% of

those interviewed at the Railway station said there was sufficient public transport, with

over half (52%) saying it would be likely or very likely to encourage more people to

the town centre if public transport was improved. The 18-29 year olds were also

more likely to say likely or very likely than any other age group.



Figure 22 – Improving Grays Town Centre


7%

21%

4%

7%

6%

4%

8%

1%

3%

3%

2%

2%

1%

15%

28%

34%

38%

30%

32%

48%

36%

43%

46%

42%

44%

67%

31%

33%

38%

35%

44%

45%

30%

47%

40%

38%

43%

41%

28%

30%

14%

18%

16%

17%

15%

11%

13%

11%

10%

11%

10%

4%

17%

4%

6%

5%

3%

4%

3%

3%

3%

4%

2%

3%

Increased office space

Improved public transport

Open spaces

Improvements to street lighting, walls, street signs

Cultural facilities

Facilities for community groups / organisations

Lower car parking charges

Town centre events

Improved evening offering (restaurants / bars)

Better facilites for shoppers (more seats, toilets, creche)

Better use of the river - walks

Activities for younger people

Wider range of shops

There is sufficient already Very likely Likely Not very likely Not at all



Positive aspects about Grays Town Centre

Respondents were asked to name up to three positive aspects about Grays Town

Centre. The suggestions are shown in Figure 23. The most popular aspect identified

by respondents was shops/supermarket which was suggested by one in six

respondents (16%) which is surprising as previously respondents wanted a greater

range of shops.

Good transport links was mentioned by one in eight (12%) respondents. This was

followed by convenient location, which was mentioned by 7% and easy access,

mentioned by 6%.

One in twenty (5%) respondents mentioned banks as a positive aspect of Grays town

centre, with the same number identifying car parking facilities positively.

Culturally, the theatre and library were both mentioned by one in twenty five (4%)

respondents, whilst slightly less, 3%, mentioned the beach/river.

Suggestions made by 2% of respondents were clean and tidy, friendly people and the

undercover shopping mall. Suggestions made by less than 2% have not been

included.

Figure 23 – Positive aspects about Grays Town Centre

Base: Telephone and railway station combined (1,945 total responses) - 1st

response (1,000), 2nd response (598) and 3rd response (347)

16%

12%

7% 6%

5% 5% 4% 4%

3% 3% 2% 2%

0%

2%

4%

6%

8%

10%

12%

14%

16%

18%

All aspects combined



Encouraging use of Grays Town Centre

Respondents were asked to name one thing that during the day, evening and

weekend/bank holiday, they thought would improve Grays town centre to encourage

more people to use it. The results are shown in Figure 24 overleaf.

Improving the range of shops to encourage greater use during the daytime was

clearly the most popular suggestion, with two in five (39%) respondents providing this

suggestion. Those interviewed at the Railway station and females were more likely to

suggest this. Only one in sixteen (6%) suggested that this would encourage people at

the weekend and bank holidays. Longer shop/opening times were mentioned by 3%

and 2% of respondents to encourage greater use in the evening and weekend/bank

holidays respectively.

Improving the quality of bars, cafes and restaurants during the evening was

seen as a positive step by just over one quarter (27%) of respondents, indicating that

there could a demand for better venues to visit during the evening. Those suggesting

this were more likely to be aged 30-44, which substantiates what this age bracket said

when asked what would improve Grays town centre and encourage greater use.

previous results of how likely improving the evening offer (bars/restaurants) would

have on increasing numbers to the town centre. However, only 9% of respondents

thought this would encourage footfall during the weekend/bank holiday and 4% during

the daytime.

Safety and security was seen as an important factor, particularly if people are to be

encouraged into Grays town centre during the evening. Nearly one in five (18%)

suggested this option. This was not such a high priority for increasing numbers during

the daytime or weekend/bank holiday though. Not surprisingly, more police patrols

in the evening were suggested by one in eight (12%) respondents with 5% and 4%

suggesting police patrols daytime and weekend/bank holiday respectively. During the

evening, 4% of respondents thought street lighting would help encourage people

into the town centre.

During the weekend, just over one in five (21%) respondents thought improving

family and community events/activities would encourage people to come into

Grays town centre. More females made this suggestion along with those aged 44-59

and those living in Little Thurrock. In addition, one in twenty (5%) respondents

thought improving children’s facilities and activities during the daytime would

encourage more people into the town centre.

Improving leisure activities in general were seen as a positive step in encourage

people into the town centre. During the evening, 6% thought a more varied range

of entertainment would help, 6% a new cinema and 2% better leisure facilities

in general.

Better markets/specialist markets were suggested by one in twelve (8%)

respondents which supports what had previously been said by respondents in that

specialist and farmers markets, as well as additional markets days would encourage

further use.

Improving public transport during the weekend/bank holiday, was suggested by just

3%. Those aged 18-29 were more likely to make this suggestion.



Figure 24 – What one thing you would put in place to encourage more use of

the town centre – daytime, evening and weekend/bank holiday


13%

2%

1%

2%

4%

2%

5%

2%

3%

4%

39%

14%

1%

4%

3%

2%

6%

2%

6%

12%

2%

18%

27%

1%

18%

2%

2%

2%

3%

3%

2%

4%

3%

8%

5%

6%

4%

21%

4%

9%

6%

Don't know / nothing

Free car parking

Keep it clean

Make more of the beach

Improved public transport system / links

Cultural activities

More street lights

Longer shop/opening times

Better leisure facilities

New cinema

Better markets / specialist markets

Children's facilities / activities

More variety of entertainment

Police patrols

Family / community events / activities

Safety / Security (CCTV)

Better quality bars / cafes / restaurants

Bigger variety of shops

Weekend Evening Daytime



Further research Respondents we asked if they would be interested in taking part in possible further

research such as discussion groups. A total of 390 respondents confirmed that they

would be interested in taking part in further research. As shown in Figure 25, nearly

half (48%) of respondents from the online survey said they would be interested,

whereas three in ten (31%) said they would from the representative sample.

Figure 25 – Respondents interested in taking part in further research

31%

48%

69%

52%

Combined sample

Online sample

Yes No



Conclusions and Recommendations

The aim of the consultation was to gather a representative sample of views of

residents and people who used Grays railway station to support the development of a

vision and strategy for the future of Grays.

The consultation has explored a range of views, some of which were and positive some

of which were negative, all of which Thurrock Council and its partners can build upon

to develop the town centre.

It is interesting to see that of the respondents, those who completed the survey online

were, in the majority of cases, more negative than their counterparts who completed

the questionnaire either over the telephone or face to face at the Railway station. This

is not unexpected as these respondents actively participated in the survey rather than

being sought out by an interviewer and, therefore, may have had views they wished to

share in the consultation.

During the consultation, there were a number of key strands that were highlighted for

further development.

Retail offer

One of the most compelling issues that respondents were not happy about was the

range of shops available in the town centre. Since Lakeside Shopping Centre opened

less than three miles away, Grays town centre has had a number of major national

shops close and relocate to the shopping centre. This has had a detrimental effect to

the town and the range of shops on offer, including the sheer number of people

shopping in the town. Of the respondents interviewed, only one third shopped in

Grays town centre for their food and only 14% shopped for other goods. Interestingly,

nearly one third of those interviewed were visiting Grays town centre to visit the bank.

Further research should be undertaken to explore how to capture these people so they

use other services and facilities in the town centre at the same time.

Of those interviewed, well over half thought the range and selection of shops was poor

or very poor, with nearly one third saying they were average. Respondents clearly

want to see the selection of shops improved as nearly all (95%) said that increasing

the range of shops would likely or very likely encourage use and increase the number

of people visiting Grays.

However, respondents were relatively positive about the markets. The market is open

just twice a week on Fridays and Saturdays and is well used by shoppers. Six in ten

respondents said they would be likely or very likely to visit the market if there were

additional market days introduced or different types of market. Furthermore,

respondents suggested introducing specialist markets to encourage people into Grays

with three quarters highlighting farmers markets with a third suggesting specialist

markets.

Thurrock Council and its partners should, therefore, explore the opportunity of

expanding and developing the markets further and try to encourage new retail

ventures to encourage more use of the town centre.

Travel and accessibility to the town centre

Access to Grays Town Centre, its geographical location and the ease of getting around

the centre were seen positively by respondents with two thirds saying they were good

or very good. Moreover, car parking was seen as good or very good by 43%,

however, it was also apparent that even though the car parking facilities were good,



the cost could be lowered to encourage people to use the town centre. It was even

suggested to offer free car parking at weekends and bank holidays to encourage

greater use.

Respondents also rated public transport positively. Although one quarter could not

comment as they were not public transport users, half or respondents thought public

transport was good or very good. Again, it was thought that if public transport was

improved at the weekend and bank holidays, more people may be encouraged to use

the town centre more.

The partnership should explore opportunities of providing offers for car parking and

even free car parking at weekends and bank holidays to encourage greater use.

Personal safety

Attitudes towards personal safety were mixed but were highlighted as an important

element if Grays town centre is to be improved, with 45% of respondents saying

personal safety was poor or very poor with only one in five saying good or very good.

To encourage more people to use the centre during the evening, respondents believed

that more police patrols and more CCTV should be introduced. Although crime levels

may have actually fallen in and around Grays, it is important to remember that

perceived crime levels can be higher than actual crime levels.

The partnership should consider a campaign that will educate about crime levels and

promote Grays town centre as a safe place to be. Moreover, CCTV and additional

police presence would help reassure town centre users, particularly during the

evening. The Grays police station should also be promoted more as it was identified

by some respondents as a positive aspect to the town centre.

Shoppers’ facilities

Respondents clearly had mixed views on facilities such as toilets. Whilst one quarter

were happy with toilet facilities, it was clear that one third were not. However, toilets

were not mentioned by respondents when asked to suggest one thing to encourage

people to the town centre. This shows that although an important issue to

respondents, it was not a deciding factor that would encourage people to visit Grays.

Bars, cafes and restaurants

The second most popular choice, increasing the range of bars, cafes and restaurants

was seen as integral to encouraging more people into the town centre. This was

overwhelmingly so when considering increasing numbers visiting the town centre

during the evening.

When asked, over one quarter of people said that increasing the range of bars, cafes

and restaurant would increase the number of users to the town centre during the

evening and to a lesser degree, but still very important, during the weekend. It was

clear from the consultation that respondents, particularly those who use the Railway

station and those aged 30-44, want to see an increase in the range of bars, cafes and

restaurant on offer.

Thurrock Council and its partners should explore opportunities with the private sector

to develop the food and drink offer.

Leisure and entertainment

Grays town centre is home to Thameside Theatre, which puts on a number of shows

and artists throughout the year. Respondents spoke favourably about theatre with

many visiting on a regular basis. Some, however, did think that the theatre could

show a wider range of acts and performances, and allow community and school use.

In addition, some respondents suggested that to encourage more people to use the



theatre, special deals could be offered such as a meal and theatre deal, and special

lower priced tickets. Also, some suggested that the seating could be improved as the

current ones are not comfortable. Specialist or older films could be shown to attract

more customers.

Thurrock Council, its partners and Thameside Theatre should explore introducing

different initiatives to encourage use of the theatre and local businesses such as

restaurants.

The State Cinema, which closed in 1988, is a Grade II* listed building but has been

unused for many years. A multi-complex cinema is located at Lakeside Shopping

Centre. However, 6% of respondents thought a new cinema would bring people into

the town centre during the evening. With a multi-complex cinema so close, it is

unlikely that a company would locate a cinema in Grays town centre, so careful

consideration is needed to ascertain what could be offered and how a cinema could be

created using existing venues.

Family/community events and activities

One fifth of respondents believed that improving the range of family/community

events and activities during the weekend and bank holidays would increase the

number of people visiting Grays town centre. This, coupled with increasing the range

of children’s facilities and activities, indicates that more family orientated events at the

weekend and bank holidays would encourage more visitors.

Moreover, to support more family activities, public transport could be improved during

weekends and bank holidays with the offer of reduced travel. Car parking should also

be either reduced or free to entice families into the town centre.

Thurrock Council and its partners need to review the current range of

family/community events and activities and identify new events that will encourage

families. It may be beneficial to explore what types of events and activities have

worked well in other similar sized towns so successful ideas and events could be

replicated in Grays.

Summary

The consultation has explored some interesting issues and has highlighted some key

concerns and opportunities for Thurrock Council and its partners to take on board and

explore. Not all improvements can be made by Thurrock Council alone, but when

explored as a partnership with key stakeholders and local businesses, there is a clear

opportunity for Grays town centre to develop into a successful, sustainable town for

the people of Thurrock.



Appendices



Appendix 1 – Questionnaire (Telephone, Railway

Station & Online)

Hello. My name is _________________ and I work for a research company called Enventure Research. We’re conducting consultation on behalf of

Thurrock Council on Grays Town Centre and how people use it, and how people would like to see it being developed.

We’re talking to a range of visitors to the centre. Is it okay for me to ask you a few questions? It will only take five minutes.

Thank you.

QUOTAS

Ward

Chafford and North Stifford (CNS) 105

Grays Riverside (GR) 162

Grays Thurrock (GL) 128

Little Thurrock Blackshots (LTB) 83

Little Thurrock Rectory (LTR) 83

South Chafford (SCh) 96

Stifford Clays (SCl) 93

750

Age

Age 18 to 29 156

Age 30 to 44 260

Age 44 to 59 179

Age 60 + 155

750

Gender

Male 375

Female 375

750

Ethnicity

White (British) 547 White (Irish, gypsy,

other) 52 Mixed/Multiple Ethnic Groups 17

Asian/Black British/Other 125

Other Ethnic Group 9

750

Demographics

Gender Male Female Age 18-29 30-44 44-59 60+ Ethnicity White (British), White (Other), Mixed/Multiple Ethnic

Groups/ Asian/Black British/Other, Other Ethnic Group Location Town/postcode

1. How often do you visit Grays Town Centre? (Tick one only) Everyday 1 2-3 times a week 2

Once a week 3 Once a fortnight 4

Once a month 5 Less than once a month 6 Not at all [GO TO Q6] 7



2. Why have you visited Grays Town Centre in your last visit and why do you usually? (don’t ask about ‘usually’ if this is their first time)

(Tick all that apply) Last visit

Usually To go to work in Grays 1 1 To commute to work elsewhere 2 2

Shopping – food and household 3 3 Shopping – other 4 4

Market 5 5 To visit bank/building society/post office 6 6 Catch train/bus 7 7

To visit the library 8 8 To visit council offices 9 9

To go to the pub 10 10 To eat out 11 11 Grays Beach Riverside Park 12 12

Library 13 13 Community event 14 14

Function 15 15 College/education 16 16

Other (please specify)…………………………………. 17 17 3. How long do you usually stay when you visit Grays Town Centre?

(Tick one only) Less than 1 hour 1

1 to 2 hours 2 2 to 4 hours 3 4 hours or more 4

4. How do you usually travel to Grays Town Centre? (Tick all that

apply) Car 1 Bus 2

Train 3 Motorbike 4

Taxi 5 Cycle 6 Walk 7

5. Is Grays Town Centre the main place that you do your shopping?

Yes – Food and household shopping 1 Yes – Other shopping 2 No 3

If No, which is the main place you do you shopping? 4 _________________________



6. How would you rate the following aspects (read all out)

Very

good

Good Average Poor Very

Poor

Personal safety in the town centre 5 4 3 2 1

Litter/graffiti levels 5 4 3 2 1

Selection/range of shops 5 4 3 2 1

Selection of cafes and restaurants 5 4 3 2 1

Leisure activities/entertainment 5 4 3 2 1

Cultural facilities 5 4 3 2 1

Public transport 5 4 3 2 1

Car parking 5 4 3 2 1

Facilities for the disabled 5 4 3 2 1

Ease of access into the town centre 5 4 3 2 1

Ease of getting around the town centre 5 4 3 2 1

Toilet Facilities 5 4 3 2 1

Range of public events 5 4 3 2 1

7. How likely would the following improvements encourage people to

visit the Town Centre more often? (where 4 is Very likely, 3 Likely, 2 Not very likely, 1 Not at all). (Read out all)

Very

likely

Likely Not very

likely

Not at

all likely

Improved evening offering (restaurants/bars) 4 3 2 1

Better use of the river – walks 4 3 2 1

Better use of the river – café/bar/restaurant 4 3 2 1

Lower car parking charges 4 3 2 1

Town centre events 4 3 2 1

Cultural facilities 4 3 2 1

Wider range of shops 4 3 2 1

Open spaces 4 3 2 1

Activities for younger people 4 3 2 1

Facilities for community groups/organisations 4 3 2 1

Increased office space 4 3 2 1

Improved public transport 4 3 2 1

Better facilities for shoppers (More

seats/toilets/crèche etc)

4 3 2 1

Improvements to street lighting/walls/street

signs etc

4 3 2 1

Other (please specify)

4 3 2 1



8. The market is held on Fridays and Saturdays in Grays High Street.

How likely would you visit the market if there were additional market days or different types of market?

Very likely 4 Likely 3 Not very likely 2

Not at all 1

What other types of markets should be held? Flea Market 1 Farmers Market 2

Specialist 3 Other (please specify) 4

__________________________________ 9. How often do you use the Thameside Theatre? (tick one)

More than six times a year 1 3-5 times a year 2

1-2 times a year 3 Never 4

10. Are there any improvements or changes in usage that could be

made in the way the theatre is currently used? (tick all that apply)

Community use 1 School use 2

Wider range of acts/performances 3 Other (please specify)_______________________ 4 No improvements needed 5

Don’t know 6

11. What are the three most positive aspects about the Town Centre?

1. ____________________________________________ 2. ____________________________________________

3. ____________________________________________ 12. What one thing would you put in place that you think would

improve Grays Town Centre to encourage more people to use it? (One suggestion for each point)

During the daytime ___________________________________________

During the evening ___________________________________________

During the weekend/bank holidays_________________________________



Further research

As part of the ongoing development of Grays Town Centre, the Partnership will be undertaking further research, such as discussion groups. Would you be

interested in participating in possible further research? Yes 1 (full details collected below)

No 2

Name………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Telephone number (for back checking

purposes)…………………………………………………… Email

address…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Interviewer Name…………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Date……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

INTERVIEWER NOTE – PLEASE COLLECT RESPONDENT DETAILS REGARDLESS OF RESPONSE TO FURTHER RESEARCH AS NAME AND TELEPHONE NUMBER ARE NEEDED FOR BACK CHECKING PURPOSES.



Appendix 2 – Questionnaire (school)

grays town centre public consultation - thurrock...brian priestley . principal regeneration officer...

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