DP World and Thames Freeport have broken ground on a GBP13 million (US$17.4 million) The Hive at the London Gateway Logistics Park.
The amenities and innovation hub is the latest investment in Thames Freeport’s mission to drive skills, innovation, and opportunity across the Thames Estuary, the 29,000 square feet site that will serve as a dynamic new focal point for local businesses, employee training, and community engagement.
It will offer flexible meeting rooms and a dedicated training and innovation skills centre, alongside a state-of-the-art gym, two sports pitches and food and drink facilities.
The investment into the local community will provide over 100 days of industrial and employability skills programmes per year, supporting around 1,125 trainees annually across the Freeport and marks the latest collaboration between DP World and Thames Freeport.
Thames Freeport was co-funded to create shared infrastructure for skills and innovation across its three council areas – Barking & Dagenham, Havering, and Thurrock. The Hive will form a key part of the joint venture with DP World to deliver a positive long-term impact in the community.
Construction work on The Hive began in October and will be completed by March 2026. Built by Goldbeck Construction, it will have an ‘A+’ EPC Rating and ‘Outstanding’ BREEAM certification.
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, added: “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 sit at the heart of London Gateway’s 9.25 million square feet Logistics Park, half of which has now been developed and is supported by a 10-year LDO from Thurrock Council.
The ongoing growth of the Logistics Park coincides with the GBP1 billion (US$1.34 billion) expansion of the adjoining port and rail terminals. With two new all electric berths and a second rail terminal currently under construction, it supports DP World’s vision to make London Gateway the largest throughput container port in the UK.
