PRESS RELEASE 18 July 2025
Thousands of new jobs, cleaner transport, and modern infrastructure are at the heart of a new Strategic Masterplan process launched today for Thames Freeport, a project set to transform major sites across Thurrock, Barking & Dagenham, and Havering.
Speaking at the launch, Rt Hon Ruth Kelly, Chair of Thames Freeport, outlined how this ambitious programme of work will regenerate the region into a national centre for low-carbon industry, advanced logistics, and digital innovation.
Since its designation in 2021, the Freeport has already secured over £1.5 billion of private investment and created more than 1,400 new jobs.
This isn’t just about ports and warehouses. It’s about creating real opportunities—jobs, skills and better infrastructure—for the people who live and work here. Our masterplan will connect that ambition to a clear plan for delivery.â€.
RT Hon Ruth Kelly – Chair Thames Freeport
EY-Led Consortium to Deliver Masterplan and Investment Framework
To turn these ambitions into action, Thames Freeport has appointed an EY-led consortium—comprising EY, Stantec, The Young Foundation and SimAnalytica—to deliver a comprehensive Freeport-wide masterplan and Strategic Investment Fund Framework.
Together, the consortium blends financial and planning expertise with strong community engagement and innovative spatial analysis. Their work will create a shared delivery roadmap for the next decade, grounded in Thames Freeport’s core industrial strengths: technology manufacturing, sustainable construction, and food and drink production.
The strategic masterplan aims to address the needs of the community and create sustainable growth
“Thames Freeport represents one of Europe’s largest development opportunities. Our goal is to help structure its bold ambitions into an actionable, investable strategy—one that connects infrastructure, land, and businesses into a thriving economic ecosystem, underpinned by social value and sustainability.â€,
Marcus Richards Partner at EY
The consortium’s work will focus on two key outputs
- A strategic masterplan linking infrastructure, land use, and business growth.
- An investment framework to attract co-investment and support delivery of the masterplan.
What’s Changing?
Thames Freeport’s investment zones span DP World’s London Gateway in Thurrock, the Port of Tilbury, and Ford’s historic site at Dagenham. Projects already underway in these sites include:
- A new state-of-the-art distribution centre for Tesco, designed to cut transport emissions and create hundreds of local jobs.
- One of the UK’s largest rapid EV charging hubs at Port of Tilbury.
- A private 5G network with Verizon and Nokia, supporting real-time logistics, AI-driven operations, and digital skills training for local students.
- Over 350 apprenticeships supported by the end of 2025.
A Plan for Local Prosperity
The Strategic Masterplan will guide future development, with a focus on:
- High-quality, accessible local jobs.
- Expanded training and apprenticeship opportunities.
- Improved transport, infrastructure, and connectivity.
- Cleaner energy and sustainable growth.
- Active involvement of local communities in shaping development.
As part of the Thames Freeport Masterplan, the Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) will launch a new Social Value Commission to ensure local communities benefit from investment and growth across the region. The initiative forms part of the RSA’s Prosperous Places programme, supporting locally led approaches to long-term, equitable growth.
Next Steps
In the months ahead, Thames Freeport will host public consultations, technical workshops, and community events across Thurrock, Barking & Dagenham, and Havering. A draft masterplan will be published for consultation in early 2026.
Join Us in Shaping the Future
For more enquiries email johnstasi@thamesfreeport.com