DP World, the firm behind London Gateway Port and Logistics Park, has made a generous pledge of £1.3 million towards the construction of Thurrock’s new Onside Youth Zone in Tilbury. This donation is a welcome development, as the project recently received planning permission last month.
The announcement of this substantial contribution was made on Giving Tuesday, a day dedicated to global giving. The commitment from DP World is a significant leap towards the completion of the Youth Zone project in Tilbury. This is particularly reassuring, as concerns were raised by councillors about the availability of sufficient funding.
To mark this major donation, DP World hosted a special event at their port headquarters on the logistics park. Students from Gateway Academy in Tilbury were invited to learn about potential job opportunities and were given a tour of the expansive 9.25 million sq ft site by DP World apprentices.
The new Youth Zone, which will be situated on Anchor Fields, Tilbury, is designed to offer a wide array of amenities for young people in the area. These include a sports hall, fitness suite, outdoor 3G pitch, music room, performing arts studio, and a cafe serving hot meals at affordable prices. It will be operated as an independent charity within Onside’s network and staffed by a dedicated team of youth workers.
Young people from across Thurrock, between the ages of eight and 19 (or up to 25 for those with additional needs), will have access to the Youth Zone for a nominal annual membership fee of £5 and a visit fee of just 50p.
Alan Shaoul, the UK Chief Financial Officer at DP World, expressed the company’s commitment to supporting local communities and youth development. He mentioned that investing in young people is crucial for their skills, experience, and overall well-being. This aligns with DP World’s core priorities of creating skilled jobs, providing apprenticeships, and partnering with charities.
The construction cost of the Youth Zone will be partially funded by Thurrock Council and Tilbury Towns Fund Board. OnSide will also be involved in fundraising for the remaining costs. Once completed, Thurrock Youth Zone will be part of OnSide’s network, joining 14 other Youth Zones across the UK, including one in nearby Barking and Dagenham.
The CEO of OnSide, Jamie Masraff, expressed gratitude towards DP World for their generous investment and emphasized the positive impact that the Youth Zone will have on the young people of Thurrock. Two students from Gateway Academy, Annabel and Harvey, also shared their excitement about the upcoming establishment. They highlighted the opportunities for skill development, personal growth, and social interaction that the Youth Zone will provide for the community.
In summary, DP World’s significant donation towards the construction of the new Youth Zone in Thurrock is a testament to their commitment to youth development and community support. The project is set to create valuable opportunities for young people, and with this level of backing from key stakeholders, the future looks promising for the Youth Zone in Tilbury.