TWO new businesses are set to occupy new warehouses at London Gateway Logistics Park by the Thames in East Thurrock.

Thurrock Council has approved two semi-detached warehouses at the DP World's logistic park at London Gateway port.

Ranson, a Belgian food and catering products business, and Destiny Entertainments, which imports and modifies audio and video products, will move to the area, now designated as a Freeport with considerable financial advantages, in 2024.

The two units – which will make up "The Campus" site – will have a combined total of more than 100,000 sq. ft. When complete

Oliver Treneman, Vice President, Park Development at DP World, said: "The location of Ranson and Destiny Entertainments at London Gateway is another milestone for DP World and Thames Freeport.

"Our port-centric Logistics Park forms a core part of our integrated end-to-end approach, providing supply chain solutions such as port-to-park and park-to-port services, together with outstanding road links and access to an adjacent rail terminal."

Bruno Ranson, chief executive officer, Ranson Group, added: "We are very excited to be relocating to London Gateway in the near-future and becoming an active part of an energetic Freeport. We know that this will open up many more opportunities for our company and enable us to improve and increase the trading possibilities with partners on both sides of the water for many years to come."

The park benefits from a local development order which gives automatic planning permission for structures but that is due to expire in November. A new local development order will not be completed until next year. In the meantime Thurrock Council's planning committee gave special permission to extend the order in September so the new warehouses to be built because of delays by the council. London Gateway Logistics Park Leasehold Limited has now lodged details of the new construction under the existing order.

The warehouse bordered by the Baltic Avenue estate road and sited near to the DHL building will include ancillary office accommodation, plot parking, loading, unloading and turning areas, and site access roads.

Mark Purchase, director of destiny entertainments, said: "Destiny's move to London Gateway is game changing for our business. Not only because of the new warehouse facility, but all the infrastructure around it. It's a significant leap from our current position and the advantages it brings will enable rapid growth and better service for our customers."

Announcement of the new businesses comes just a few days after a borough councillor expressed his concern about the growth of logistics and haulage-based businesses in the borough.