DP World and Thames Freeport have started building The Hive, a £13m amenities and innovation hub at London Gateway Logistics Park. The 29,000 sq. ft. facility will support local businesses, employee training, and community engagement. It will include flexible meeting rooms, a skills and innovation centre, a gym, two sports pitches, and food and drink facilities.
The Hive will run over 100 industrial and employability skills programmes annually, supporting around 1,125 trainees across the Freeport. The project is co-funded through Thames Freeport’s seed-fund programme for shared infrastructure in Barking & Dagenham, Havering, and Thurrock.
Construction began in October and will finish by March 2026. The building is designed to achieve an ‘A+’ EPC rating and BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ certification. GOLDBECK Construction is delivering the project.
Alan Holland, CEO of DP World London Gateway, said The Hive will connect employers, regulators, investors, and the community. Stuart Rimmer, Interim CEO of Thames Freeport, said the hub will attract investment, create jobs, and develop skills for future industries.
The Hive is part of London Gateway’s 9.25m sq. ft. Logistics Park. Half of the park is already developed. Expansion of the port and rail terminals is underway, including two electric berths and a second rail terminal. The project supports DP World’s goal to make London Gateway the UK’s largest container port.
