London Resort to go ahead despite 'doom-mongers'

This comes as the first firms have been chosen to help create the 'UK's fist next-generation theme park' in the first round of business registration for the project.

Three British firms, Electrosonic, Garmendale and Katapult, were unveiled on Monday, October 4, whilst 65 other businesses, over half of which are British, have been advised they are also in the running to work on the project.

One of Europe's most ambitious theme park projects ever, the resort is planned to be built across 535 acres of the Swanscombe Marshes between Dartford and Gravesend, opening its doors in 2024.

PY Gerbeau, CEO of London Resort Company Holdings (LRCH). said it was "a day to celebrate British innovation and technological wizardry,” welcoming the companies who are "all leaders in their fields.

The theme park is to be built across 535 acres of the Swanscombe Marshes

"Together we are on a journey to create our own slice of history by building the UK’s first next generation theme park. But turning our vision into reality will be complicated."

Whilst plans for the massive new theme park on the Swanscombe Peninsula are progressing, the project still faces a major battle against environmentalists and campaigners.

The site was recently declared a Site of Special Scientific Interest, causing problems for the developers, and activists recently said the plans would destroy “irreplaceable” habitats currently home to birds and otters, activists say.

All wildlife found in the Swanscombe Peninsula - Roman Willi/Kent Wildlife Trust/PA Wire

Making the announcement at blooloop V-Expo, PY Gerbeau was keen to stress the door is still well and truly open for more businesses to register.

He declared: "To all the naysayers and doom-mongers, the London Resort is going ahead, as planned.

“To all businesses who believe they can play a part in creating a world of unique experiences, I encourage you to go to our website now, register your details and together we will create our footnote in history.”

• The UK's £5bn answer to Disneyland: Will the London Resort ever get built?

Commenting on the announcement, Gavin Cleary, CEO, Locate in Kent, the inward investment agency for Kent and Medway, said,”The tremendous response from our local supply chain firms shows what an important driver the London Resort will be for our region, and confirms Kent is a vibrant, reliable, and cost-effective place for major construction projects.

"We have the skills, the talent pool, the innovations, and the appetite to make a positive contribution to the project.”

Dartford-based Electrosonic, was founded above a Greenwich greengrocers in 1964.

Early on, Electrosonic designed and manufactured lighting and audiovisual control systems to create exciting experiences and concerts for groups such as "Pink Floyd," "Genesis," "The Rolling Stones," and "The Who" to name a few.

Now it is internationally recognised for applying its audiovisual and technology services to create out-of- this world experiences at some of the most recognised attractions worldwide, including Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi.

Derbyshire based Garmendale Engineering is a second-generation, family-owned and run business and is recognised as a world leader in the manufacture of theme park ride systems.

International themed attraction designers, Katapult, works with the likes of The LEGO® Group, Cartoon Network, Warner Bros and BBC and their work is enjoyed by 50 million visitors, at over 81 attractions, in 20 different countries.

The first and crucial phase of a business registration process began over a month ago, with nearly 2000 businesses registering their interest in being part of this unique project.

The initial businesses being contacted could all have an important role to play in moving the London Resort from conceptual design to concept refinement and schematic design.