Meet the new supermodel

By Rob Virtue on October 30, 2007 12:00 AM

WE ARE often told that the Thames Gateway project is massive - and to prove it, even the scaled-down model is the country's biggest.
The 24metre by 11metre design is coming to ExCeL London exhibition centre for the annual Thames Gateway Forum later this month and the forum claims it is the largest architectural model in the UK.
Judith Armitt, Thames Gateway chief executive, said: "It will provide residents in the region with a brilliant opportunity to see what developments are happening within their local community.

"The model will be so large that visitors will be able to 'walk up the Thames', allowing for investment opportunities to be seen on both sides of the river."
The model will highlight the steps already being taken in the Gateway and will be constantly updated to show future changes.
"The launch of the model and community roadshow marks a new beginning for the way in which we communicate about Thames Gateway," said Ms Armitt. "We are firmly focused on reaching out to all residents, businesses and investors.
"It is imperative that they have a say in the future development of the communities they are part of."
The design, which has been created by Pipers Models, will be on display at the Royal Docks exhibition centre on November 28 and 29 for the forum, which is expected to be attended by over 4,000 people.
Barry McKeogh, chairman of Pipers, said: "It has been an exciting challenge to produce a model detailed enough to do justice to the biggest regeneration scheme in Europe."
Immediately after the forum, each section of the model will visit its respective community, before the whole design ends up at a final destination, yet to be decided.
For more information on the project go to www.thamesgatewayforum.co.uk
--------