Developers plan £2bn Hollywood-inspired resort in Kent to rival Disneyland Paris

Developers have revealed plans to build a huge £2billion Hollywood-inspired entertainment resort in Kent.



Paramount Pictures has given permission for its name to be used for the proposed development on the Swanscombe Peninsula in a move that is expected to rival Disneyland Paris.



Watch out Disney: A computerised image of the proposed Hollywood-inspired theme park in Kent

The ambitious project – which would be built on a former cement works site near Dartford - is also said to be supported by Dartford and Gravesham Borough Councils.

French connection: The ambitious resort is expected to rival Disneyland Paris

The resort, which the company hopes to open in 2018, would be located near Ebbsfleet International station, which is just 17 minutes from London and two hours from Paris.

The earmarked 872-acre site is nearly twice the size of the Olympic Park in Stratford.

It is expected to feature Europe’s largest indoor water park, rollercoasters, cinemas, theatres, hotels and live music venues.

The site's developer, London Resort Company Holdings, estimates that the project would create up to 27,000 jobs and is now looking for further investment for the project.

Project leader Tony Sefton said: ‘Our vision is to create a world class entertainment destination, the first of its kind in the UK.

‘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.’

In a joint statement, Jeremy Kite, leader of Dartford Borough Council, and John Burden, leader of Gravesham Borough Council, described the development as a ‘tremendous economic growth opportunity for the region'.



But the plans are expected to meet opposition from environmentalists because of potential damage to wildlife in the area, in particular wading birds.



A similar entertainment resort is due to open Spain in 2012. The Paramount park in Murcia will feature a Titanic Experience, and rides based on Mission Impossible, Star Trek and War of the Worlds.