1. airport in the estuary

Bll's design of a new airport for the estuary is connected to the master plan by a high speed rail link. As the main publicity driver it is intended to draw media attention to the event.

2. Metrotidal

Metrotidal Tunnel is an independent private sector initiative, supported by leading UK consultants, to develop a multi-modal Lower Thames Tunnel together with associated infrastructure improvements, a tidal power plant and new flood defences for London. A tidal lagoon will contribute to the flood defence system while generating carbon-free energy for the new tunnel, new trains and an eco-town.

3. Sir Terry Farrell proposals

In 2003, architect & master planner, Sir Terry Farrell CBE, conceived an aspirational vision to declare the Thames Gateway as a new kind of National Park. Although he had no official position and his initiative was voluntary, his proposals attracted a group of backers including the Bank of Scotland, Experian & the Future Foundation. The scheme with its huge bridge snaking all the way from Shoeburyness in Essex to Sheerness in Kent was presented to Ruth Kelly in 2008. Sir Terry was appointed Thames Gateway Parklands design champion last year by then housing minister Yvette Cooper and commissioned to produce a plan for the region.

London Array Wind Farm

Plans for two offshore wind farms in the Estuary including the world's biggest could produce enough renewable electricity to power one million households. The proposed £1.5bn London Array project covers 232 sq km between Margate in Kent and Clacton, Essex with 341 turbines rising from the sea about 20km off the coast. The 'Thanet scheme' covers 35 sq km off the north Kent coast. The original consortium included Shell WindEnergy Ltd, E.ON UK Renewables and Core Ltd, although this is under review.

London Gateway Port

The London Gateway deep sea container port will become Europe's largest logistics park, with 9.5 million sq ft for the distribution, manufacturing & high-tech sectors. It will provide capacity for 3.5 million cargo units a year and be a hub for the world's largest container ships with a 2.3 km container quay with seven deep water container vessel berths. It will be built on the north bank of the River Thames near Thurrock, Essex, on the site of the former Shell Haven oil refinery by Dubai Ports.