THE Thames Freeport is delighted to announce the appointment of Martin Bellamy, Chairman of Salamanca Group, as Chair of its newly established Thames Freeport Industry Council.
Thames Freeport represents one of Europe’s largest regional development programmes and one of the most ambitious initiatives globally. Spanning 312 square kilometres across the London Boroughs of Barking & Dagenham and Havering, and Thurrock in Essex, the Freeport offers unrivalled potential to integrate logistics, advanced manufacturing, digital infrastructure, and workforce development—all underpinned by a firm commitment to net-zero principles and long-term economic growth.
The Thames Freeport Industry Council will guide the master planning of the region and advise on the commercial strategy for the redevelopment as a whole. Martin Bellamy’s appointment brings exceptional expertise, strategic foresight, and a deep understanding of how to leverage private capital alongside public ambition to deliver nationally significant projects.
Under Martin’s leadership, Salamanca Group has delivered transformative projects that have attracted global investment, revitalised disused sites, and created thousands of high-quality jobs.
Among his achievements:
Instrumental in securing the £5 billion Tata/Jaguar Land Rover battery gigafactory project at Gravity, the UK’s largest building and a key driver of the green industrial transition, hailed as “the most important deal of the year” by the then Prime Minister.
Led the acquisition and repositioning of the former Britishvolt site in Blyth, Northumberland. With government backing, Salamanca Group structured the sale of the site to Blackstone to enable development of a 1.1 GW AI data campus, set to become Europe’s largest.
Martin’s proven track record of enabling globally significant infrastructure and AI-related developments uniquely positions him to play a pivotal role in delivering Thames Freeport’s long-term vision to become a globally competitive hub for innovation, trade, and investment.
“Martin’s appointment is a major step forward for Thames Freeport,” said Martin Whiteley, CEO of Thames Freeport. “His expertise in delivering complex, high-value projects and attracting international investment will be invaluable as we shape the next chapter of the Freeport’s growth. We are thrilled to have him lead our Industry Council at this exciting time.”
