£1.5 billion 'super port' planned for Thames Gateway » Local government » 24dash.com

Plans to build a £1.5bn super port and business park in the Thames Gateway have been secured, potentially creating up to 12,000 jobs in south Essex.

The contract, a joint venture with Laing O'Rourke and Dredging International, will see Dubai Ports (DP) World build the UK's first deep-water port for more than 20 years.

Lord Hanningfield, leader of Essex County Council, said: "This is a fantastic coup for Thames Gateway South Essex.

"Not only will this container port and business park be the world's most advanced but it will help bring jobs and prosperity to Thames Gateway South Essex at a time of economic uncertainty in the UK."

The London Gateway deep-water container port and accompanying business and logistics park will be built on a former oil refinery on the River Thames.

The scheme was given the initial go ahead by Government last year after a lengthy public consultation.

It is hoped some 12,000 jobs will be created, helping Thames Gateway South Essex fulfil its pledge of providing an additional 55,000 jobs in the region by 2021.

The 1,500-acre brownfield site is favoured by DP World because it its size and proximity to London and major markets in the South East.

The £1.5bn it will spend will be a major inward investment for south Essex and the Thames Gateway as a whole over the next ten to 15 years.