The development scheme at the Swanscombe Peninsula will be in direct competition with other UK theme parks, with an estimated 50 rides and attractions based on many popular brands from film and television.

The London Resort has struck deals with Paramount Pictures, the BBC and ITV for naming rights to rides and attractions.

The plans include two theme parks, several hotels and Europe's largest indoor waterpark. It aims to attract an average of 40,000 visitors per day and should create around 33,000 jobs.

At one time the project was set to open in 2019, but repeated delays to the submission of its planning application mean that the first theme park would now open in 2024 and the second in 2029.

Despite the disruption caused by COVID-19, The London Resort team say that they have:

• Proposals for a ‘late summer / early autumn’ public consultation including online and ‘virtual’ engagement
• Confirmed submission of a 300-page Environmental Scoping report by the 12th June
• Contacted advisors of affected local businesses, setting out terms for the acquisition of land including an additional premium
• Written to the Community Liaison Group to help share information about the project

PY Gerbeau, Chief Executive of The London Resort, said:

“The team have been immense, working incredibly hard during these awful times. I joined just under a year ago and we are always being asked to hurry up. Well, I am happy to tell you we have made strong progress and these reports are hugely important. This is a significant step in transforming an amazing and ambitious dream into reality.

“We obviously can’t hold a public consultation in the normal way – but we will make sure we reach out to local residents and businesses as well as the wider community and stakeholders. We are talking to Government about how we will be using digital technology, websites, video conferences and online Question and Answer Sessions.”