£2bn Entertainment Park In Kent

A £2billion 'Disney style' entertainment destination and leisure district could be built on derelict land in Kent.

Hollywood based film giant Paramount Pictures has unveiled the plans to transform an 870 acre site on the Swanscombe Peninsula, near to Ebbsfleet station. If it gets planning permission, the development would boast Europe's largest indoor water park as well as theatres, live music venues, restaurants, attractions and hotels.

It would be one of the largest regeneration projects in Europe, and the site would be twice the size of the Olympic park.

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.

"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.''

Read more about the plans here