08 Oct 2012 10:20 AM:
Just out today - i think.....
October 8 (Press Association) -- Plans for a new £2
billion "Disney-style" entertainment centre in Britain which
would create up to 27,000 jobs has been unveiled.
The new development by Hollywood-based Paramount Pictures
will transform an 872-acre brownfield site in the Swanscombe
Peninsula in Kent into one of the largest regeneration projects
in Europe, the consortium behind the project claimed.
At the heart of the proposed development is Europe's
leading entertainment destination, with a Paramount-branded
entertainment resort and leisure district.
It will feature Europe's largest indoor water park,
theatres, live music venues, attractions, cinemas, restaurants,
event space and hotels and, if given the go-ahead, will be
twice the size of the Olympic site and should open in 2018.
The site is on the doorstep of Ebbsfleet International
railway station, which will provide a 17-minute journey time
into London, and two hours to Paris.
Tony Sefton, project leader for the development company
London Resort Company Holdings (LRCH), said the plans were
Britain's next major regeneration project following the
Olympics.
"Our vision is to create a world-class entertainment
destination, the first of its kind in the UK," he said.
"We are at the start of a long journey, but have been
encouraged by the support and buy-in we have had to date.
"We are particularly pleased with the appetite we are
seeing from investors, who consider this a compelling
investment proposition.
"Over the next 12-18 months we will be progressing the
planning application, while embarking on a wide-reaching
programme of community consultation, while securing further
commercial agreements with third parties.
"Our timetable for delivery, including the planning
application process and construction timetable, is geared
towards completion and opening in 2018."
LRCH has signed an agreement with Paramount Licensing
Inc, the licensing division of Paramount Pictures, to give
exclusive UK licensing for a Paramount entertainment resort at
the heart of the site.
LRCH is also in negotiations with a range of major
British brands to sign licensing agreements.
The company has also been working closely with Dartford
and Gravesham Borough Councils, which have both offered support
for the project.
In a joint statement, Jeremy Kite, leader of Dartford
Borough Council, and John Burden, leader of Gravesham Borough
Council, said: "This development represents a tremendous
economic growth opportunity for the region.
"We have been impressed by LRCH's commitment to
integrating the development with the local community,
recognising the many economic and social benefits it promises
to deliver."
Community thread:
Paramount Resort Plan for Kent !!!!!
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