Doctor Who and Top Gear rides could feature at £2bn theme park Published duration 10 December 2014

image caption BBC Worldwide said planned attractions would celebrate the "special place the BBC has in British culture"

Rides based on popular BBC shows such as Top Gear and Doctor Who could form a central part of a £2bn Kent theme park, it has been announced.

Paramount Pictures entertainment resort on the Swanscombe Peninsula, near Dartford, is due to open in 2020.

London Resort Company Holdings (LRCH) said it had signed a deal with BBC Worldwide that would let it feature famous BBC programmes and characters.

The theme park would also include Hollywood-inspired attractions.

'Iconic characters'

LRCH director David Testa, said: "We are delighted to bring the world's leading public service broadcaster on board this project.

"The BBC has played an instrumental role in shaping the British entertainment industry for nearly a century, creating some of the most iconic and cherished characters on TV and radio.

"It seems only right therefore that its programmes will be present at the new London Paramount Entertainment Resort, which will combine the glamour of Hollywood with the best of British culture."

The park, on a 900-acre brownfield site is next to Ebbsfleet International railway station, is expected to create up 27,000 jobs.

Plans for the former cement works also include Hollywood-inspired rides, a water attraction, a 2,000-seat theatre and 5,000 hotel rooms.

image caption Top Gear is one of the BBC's biggest selling programme brands around the world

'Best of British'

BBC Worldwide is the commercial arm of the corporation. In 2013-14 it generated profits of £157m.

Live events director Stephen Davies said: "We're always looking for opportunities to extend fans' enjoyment of their favourite shows and the idea behind this resort is a really exciting way of celebrating the very special place the BBC has in British culture."

A BBC Worldwide deal with Merlin Entertainments saw the launch of CBeebies Land at Alton Towers theme park earlier this year.

It features rides based on the Postman Pat and In The Night Garden children's shows.