Construction has started on a new £13 million amenities and innovation hub at London Gateway Logistics Park, marking a major investment by DP World and Thames Freeport in skills, innovation and community development across the Thames Estuary.

The facility, known as The Hive, will provide a 29,000 sq ft multi-use space designed to support local businesses, workforce training and community engagement. The development will include flexible meeting and collaboration areas, a dedicated training and innovation skills centre, a modern gym, two sports pitches, and food and drink facilities.

The project forms part of Thames Freeport’s wider ambition to create opportunities and boost skills across its three local authority areas – Barking & Dagenham, Havering and Thurrock. Co-funded through the Freeport’s seed-fund programme, the hub is expected to deliver more than 100 days of industrial and employability training each year, supporting approximately 1,125 trainees annually.

Construction began in October and is scheduled for completion in March 2026. The Hive will be built to an A+ EPC rating and will target BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ certification. GOLDBECK Construction has been appointed to deliver the project, which will provide facilities focused on wellbeing and personal development.

Alan Holland, Chief Executive Officer, DP World London Gateway Logistics Park, said: “When complete, The Hive will be a game-changer for businesses located across Thames Freeport, bringing together employers, regulators, investors, and the wider community to create a vibrant skills and innovation hub around London Gateway. Not only will it address the need for a flexible and connected shared space at the heart of the Logistics Park, but it will also support new jobs and the continued economic growth of the region, further enhancing our nationally significant logistics hub.”

Stuart Rimmer, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Thames Freeport, said: “The Hive is a flagship early investment in our wider programme to attract new global investment, create high-quality jobs, and develop the skills needed for the industries of the future. By combining world-class facilities with targeted training and innovation programmes, we’re building the foundations of a thriving, sustainable economy across Thames Freeport and we’re delighted to partner with DP World to build the new facility.”

The Hive will be located at the centre of London Gateway’s 9.25 million sq ft Logistics Park, around half of which has already been developed under a 10-year Local Development Order granted by Thurrock Council. The development runs alongside a £1 billion expansion of the neighbouring port and rail terminals, including two new all-electric berths and a second rail terminal. Together, these investments support DP World’s ambition to make London Gateway the UK’s largest container port by throughput.