Thousands of jobs could be created as plans for a huge enterprise park are set to be submitted for a former oil refinery site near Canvey.

Developers hope that as many as 5,000 new jobs could be created for the area if the plans are approved and could be the island’s solution to getting a third road out of Canvey.

The Thames Enterprise Park, a new centre for energy and environmental technology, will feature a new food park, an energy park and a central building for amenity, training and skills.

The development is being driven by Thames Oilport investor Greenergy in partnership with iSec.

A consortium of Vopak, Shell and Greenergy took over the 580-acre site in September 2012, just weeks after a bitter battle to save the Coryton Refinery ended, with the loss of 750 jobs.

Part of the oil refinery site is already being used for the Thames Oilport fuel terminal which is now open for fuel supply.

The Thames Enterprise Park makes up the remaining 415 acres and is one of the largest industrial sites in the Northern Thames Gateway.

Work has already been carried out to demolish the chimneys and the plans for the development have been worked on for a number of years since the refinery was forced to close.

Planning permission for the site between Shell Haven Creek and Hole Haven Creek, which separates Canvey from the mainland. was granted by Thurrock Council in April this year for the clean-up of 114 acres.

Castle Point councillor Ray Howard is hoping the application will come with full support in place.

He said: “As it stands, I am very supportive but the infrastructure needs to be improved.

“The jobs are so vital for our area and people will be able to get there so easily if they have a third road coming out of Canvey and connecting with Coryton.”

Andrew Owns, chief executive for Greenergy said: “The Coryton refinery land is situated in one of the most exciting growth areas in the south east.

“The regeneration of the site is already underway with jobs created at the Thames Oilport fuel terminal.

“We are now bringing forward our plans to transform the remainder of the refinery land to accommodate a variety of job-creating businesses at Thames Enterprise Park.”

The developers are keen to share their plans with the community and are encouraging residents to attend drop-in sessions.

The first will be held at Knightswick Shopping Centre, in Knightswick Road, Canvey, tomorrow from 12.30pm to 5pm.

Another session will take place on Friday from 2.30pm to 7pm at The Corringham Hall, in Springhouse Road.