Top 10 industrial & logistics projects 2026: Thames Freeport, UK
Project overview
Thames Freeport is presenting a portfolio of nine industrial and logistics investment opportunities across one of the UK’s principal trade and industrial corridors. Anchored by Ford Dagenham, the Port of Tilbury and DP World London Gateway, the portfolio spans industrial real estate, advanced manufacturing, logistics and port infrastructure, warehousing and innovation-led industrial space.
The sites form part of the Thames Freeport Growth Plan and are at different stages of development, providing a pipeline of opportunities for investors, developers and occupiers.
The opportunity
The portfolio is seeking institutional and strategic investors, developers, occupiers, infrastructure partners and industrial operators across three principal clusters.
The Ford Dagenham cluster offers opportunities for industrial redevelopment, advanced manufacturing, logistics and supply-chain growth. At the Port of Tilbury, opportunities range from harbour infrastructure and brownfield industrial development to the proposed Tilbury3 port expansion. The London Gateway cluster includes Thames Enterprise Park and other brownfield sites offering industrial, logistics, commercial and port-related development potential.
Together, the nine sites provide opportunities ranging from large-scale infrastructure and industrial redevelopment to space for SMEs, start-ups and innovation-led businesses.
The financials
The portfolio represents an estimated investment requirement of more than £2 billion, subject to individual site validation and delivery progress. Development is expected to be primarily private-sector led, with Thames Freeport working alongside site owners, operators and public-sector partners to improve investment readiness, address infrastructure requirements and support delivery.
Individual investment structures and requirements will vary according to the site and project.
Project sponsor
Thames Freeport is the strategic investment promotion and convening partner for the portfolio. Individual sites have a range of owners, operators and delivery partners, while the Freeport coordinates investment promotion, planning and infrastructure engagement and works with public and private partners to facilitate investment.
Significance
At full development, the nine sites and associated spatial growth opportunities could support approximately £1.8 billion in additional annual GVA and around 27,990 additional jobs across the Freeport and wider economy.
Investment would increase UK trade and logistics capacity, support advanced manufacturing and port-centric industrial activity and expand supply chains across East London and South Essex. The portfolio is also intended to link investment with local skills, apprenticeships and SME growth.
The pitch
Thames Freeport combines a substantial concentration of industrial land with major port and manufacturing assets and direct access to London, the south east and international trade routes. Its nine-site portfolio offers multiple entry points for investors and occupiers seeking logistics capacity, advanced manufacturing locations, port-related development and industrial expansion.
Thames Freeport also works with site owners, local authorities, infrastructure partners and government to coordinate enabling infrastructure and help bring investment opportunities to market.
