Paramount Pictures has reignited plans for The London Resort – Britain’s largest ever theme park in Kent, after signing a new deal with the project.
The studio was first announced as the project’s main sponsor back in 2014, but after pulling out has now returned with a deal to allow the development to base some of its rides on its films.
BBC Studios and ITV continue to be on board to feature their properties, which may include Doctor Who, within the planned park at Swanscombe, Kent – and Licensing Biz reports London Resort Company Holdings, the comopany behind project has also hired the leisure industry veteran and name behind the Millennium Dome project two decades ago, PY Gerbeau, to be its chief executive. He was a senior executive at Euro Disney in the 1990s.
There is no news as yet which Paramount films are likely to make an appearance in the park, scheduled to open in 2024, but previous reports included visuals for a Star Trek-inspired zone.
Whether Wallace & Gromit creators Aardman will renew their interest in the project has yet to be revealed.
The London Resort on the Swanscombe peninsula will cover 535 acres – the size of 136 Wembley Stadiums – and is expected to include 200 acres of rides, as well as an entertainment district with bars, restaurants and thousands of hotel rooms. It will also form a key part of the Ebbsfleet Garden City regeneration.
The project will be one of the largest construction projects across Europe, employing some 30,000 people, a multi-billion pound investment expected to transform land on the banks of the Thames into one of the largest, immersive experience centres in the world.
Back in 2014, the Kent Messenger reported venture had gained special status allowing it to apply for planning permission directly to central government for the park, bypassing authorities at Gravesham and Dartford borough councils.
“The London Resort represents a truly global resort opportunity”, says Paramount’s Kevin Suh, “and we’re delighted to be playing our part in bringing iconic movies to life in truly immersive experiences and rides.”
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The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
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