Grays: Theme Park Plans Unveiled

A theme park to rival Disneyland Paris is being built in the Thames Estuary opposite Grays.

The new development by Hollywood-based Paramount Pictures will transform an 872-acre brownfield site in the Swanscombe Peninsula in Kent (pictured) 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.

"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."

The company has also been working closely with Dartford and Gravesham Borough Councils, which have both offered support for the project.