DP World, which operates the London Gateway Port and Logistics Park on the Thames at Coryton, has confirmed it will commit £1.3million towards building costs for Thurrock's new Onside Youth Zone, which is to be built in Tilbury after receiving planning permission last month.

The announcement was made today (Tuesday, 28 November), which is an international day of global giving.

The commitment is a major step towards completion of the project in Tilbury. When planning permission was granted, under some degree of controversy, councillors were worried that funding plans were not fully in place.

To mark its donation, DP World celebrated by inviting a group of students from Gateway Academy in Tilbury to their port headquarters on the logistics park.

They were able to hear more about the employment opportunities from a number of DP World apprentices and enjoyed a tour of the 9.25million sq ft site.

The Youth Zone will be located on Anchor Fields, Tilbury, and will include a wide range of facilities including a sports hall, fitness suite with boxing and martial arts facilities, outdoor 3G pitch, music room with built-in recording booth, performing arts studio and a café serving hot meals for £1. It will be run as an independent charity within OnSide's network and will be staffed by a team of dedicated youth workers.

Young people from across the whole of Thurrock, aged between eight and 19 or up to 25 for those with additional needs, will be able to access the Youth Zone for £5 annual membership and 50p per visit.

Alan Shaoul, UK Chief Financial Officer at DP World, said: "We've been investing in local communities across Thurrock for more than a decade, and we're delighted to continue supporting important developments like OnSide's Youth Zone. Creating highly skilled jobs, introducing new apprenticeships, and partnering with local charities are key priorities for DP World.

"Investing in young people is crucial so they can get the skills, experience, and enjoyment they need in their local community. At London Gateway and our other UK sites, we will always look for ways to make a meaningful difference in the places that are integral to our operations."

Tilbury Towns Fund Board and Thurrock Council have committed to fund half of the construction cost plus some site-specific costs as well as supporting some of the annual running costs for the Youth Zone. OnSide has committed to fundraising for the remaining costs by bringing together a family of supporters.

Thurrock Youth Zone will become part of OnSide's growing Network which currently consists of 14 other Youth Zones across the UK, including one in nearby Barking and Dagenham.

Young people from Thurrock at the port and logistics park.

OnSide CEO Jamie Masraff said: "We are so grateful to DP World for this incredible investment in Thurrock's young people.

"Their generous contribution towards our building costs is a huge step forwards for the project and today's announcement comes right on the back of us receiving planning permission so the momentum really is growing.

"DP World's passion for improving the futures of young people in Thurrock is inspiring and our Youth Zones have a proven track record of raising aspirations and providing brilliant opportunities. We would encourage anyone else who wants to be involved to get in touch."

Gateway students Annabel and Harvey were also delighted at the news and spoke of their excitement about the Youth Zone.

Speaking about DP World's support, Harvey said: "This will support young people to stay on track by providing them with the opportunities to do different activities and learn new skills in a safe environment. This can only be a good thing, as it will help young people grow in confidence and develop social skills."

Annabel added: "I am really excited about the Youth Zone because it will give students another place to go where they can find their way for the future.

"It will provide a place of safety and help to reduce stress by providing opportunities to talk to adults and other young people in a different environment.

"I am looking forward to trying new things such as boxing. It's great that there will be cheap and nutritious food on offer too.

"This is brilliant for our community."