East London and Essex communities to help shape Thames Freeport 

The Young Foundation is proud to announce its collaboration in the Thames Freeport masterplan consortium. 

Since forming in 2021, the Thames Freeport in outer East London and Essex has secured more than £1.5bn in private investment. Now, the Thames Freeport masterplan consortium – led by EY-Parthenon, together with Stantec, SimAnalytica, and The Young Foundation – aims to further regenerate the region into a national centre for low-carbon industry, advanced logistics, and digital innovation. 

Community engagement in regeneration 

The masterplan will focus on increasing local jobs and opportunities – including work to support more than 350 apprenticeships by the end of the year; improved transport and infrastructure, including creating of a large rapid EV charging hub at the Port of Tilbury; cleaner energy, and sustainable growth for the region. The Young Foundation has been commissioned to deliver community engagement work informing the regeneration, involving local voices in shaping the development. 

The Young Foundation’s Chief Executive, Helen Goulden, says: “The Thames Freeport represents an incredible opportunity to show what it really means to combine economic, social and environmental sustainability principles in practice. The best – and only – way of countering the big challenges and great development opportunities we face is when communities, fairness, sustainability are placed firmly at the centre of initiatives such as this. Through community-involving research and participation, The Young Foundation’s role is to absolutely ensure that community voices, aspirations, energy and priorities are listened to and acted on through this process” 

Understanding local ambitions for the Freeport 

The Young Foundation will deliver a series of workshops for this programme, focused on understanding local ambitions and aspirations for the Freeport, exploring the community benefits that could be delivered, and seeking feedback on masterplan options. These workshops will target education and skills partners, as well as local community groups, social entrepreneurs, and enterprises linked to strategic sectors.  

Helen notes: “Working closely with the Social Value Commission, our partnership in the Thames Freeport will build sustained, trusted relationships, and deep engagement with local people, anchor institutions, civil society organisations, and social enterprises. The Young Foundation has a vital role in connecting with local communities and holding the Freeport to account for responding to their priorities. Our shared goal – and our focus – is creating a great place to live and work for everyone, today and in the decades to come.”

To discuss The Young Foundation’s work in this space, please contact innovation@youngfoundation.org

Community needs and priorities Innovation and Investment Local economies Places Social innovation Systems change Posted on: 1 August 2025