UK 'Disneyland' back on track – new image released of Kent theme park
New images have been released of the theme park dubbed the ‘UK’s answer to Disneyland’.
First announced in 2017, The London Resort is planned to open in Kent and will span 872 acres – roughly the size of 136 Wembley Stadiums.
Unfortunately, the park has faced setbacks in recent years, and has been delayed until now. The park received a boost last year, however, when it signed an agreement to continue plans with Paramount Pictures. Now, new images of the attraction have been released further raising hopes that the park will go ahead.
The new aerial renderings demonstrate just how extensive The London Resort will be, and give insight into some of the rides theme park fans can expect.
The park's creators have remained secretive about exactly what the tantalising new attraction will offer. The images are the first to give any major hint about how the industrial land held for the park's construction will be transformed.
A range of different themed ‘islands’ will be the order of the day, including an Aztec-style land with an ancient citadel and pyramid.
Another area appears to have a medieval-style fortress, perhaps hinting at a King Arthur-themed Camelot for visitors.
It’s likely Hollywood and television series will play a large part, too, given the deal with Paramount Pictures – the studio behind the Mission: Impossible franchise – as well as the partnership with BBC and ITV Studios.
Approximately eight large rollercoasters are shown in the images, as well as a traditional fairground, and intense log flume ride.
The park site is located near the areas of Gravesham, Dartford and Thurrock in Kent, and is expected to help propel the area into a key destination for both thrill-seekers and families.
The resort will be submitting its DCO application – Development Consent Order – later this year, with planners recently holding an eight-week public consultation to gain feedback on park plans.
Included among this were environmental concerns: while some large developments can be accused of harming local wildlife, the London Resort plans to enhance local habitats to continue to support the wildlife that resides around the site.
In response, 73 per cent of the 120,000 members of the British public consulted supported the park’s approach to biodiversity. An additional 65 per cent felt that the London Resort will benefit the local Kent area in the longer term.
"Getting to this point has not been easy,” said PY Gerbeau, the London Resort’s chief executive. “But the public has responded overwhelmingly in favour and for that we are deeply grateful. We will go through all of the feedback and use it to help inform our approach and further develop our proposals.
"There is no doubting, that our aim of creating one of the most exciting entertainment destinations in the world, here in the UK, has taken another big step towards becoming a reality. We now look forward to submitting our DCO application later this year."
