Eversheds has secured a role on a £500m regeneration scheme for the Thames Gateway region.

The top 10 firm will advise on the transformation of Purfleet in the Thames Gateway, under a public-private partnership agreement, which was given the green light from the Department of Communities and Local Government recently.

Eversheds won the mandate for the Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation after a competitive tender process believed to have included DLA Piper and Pinsent Masons.

Regeneration and development partner Paul Hothi is leading on the project, which will see the Treasury commit £85m to help fund a new school health centre, a new employment area and better access to the river front. Under the plan local transport links will also be improved, including revamping the station, and an additional 3,500 homes will be built.

Real estate partner Richard Lloyd is advising on the compulsory purchase aspects of the scheme, while commercial partner Ruth Connorton advised on procurement.

Hothi commented: "In this market it is unusual that there has been so much public sector funding upfront already and shows real commitment from the Government and from Thames Gateway as well."