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Paramount UK? £2bn resort proposed near London
The UK’s first major new theme park for over 20 years could be built near London if developers succeed in their plans to create a Paramount-branded resort by the banks of the Thames Estuary. Development vehicle London Resort Company Holdings [LRCH] wants to build a £2 billion entertainment destination on the Swanscombe Peninsula, North Kent, and has signed an agreement with Paramount Licensing for a resort-style theme park at the heart of the site. LRCH is also in negotiations with a range of major British brands regarding further licensing agreements.
The development, close to the Ebbsfleet International Eurostar rail terminal and about 20 miles (32km) from central London, would transform the 872 acre brown field site into one of the largest regeneration projects in Europe, creating up to 27,000 jobs. “Our vision is to create a world class entertainment destination, the first of its kind in the UK,” says LRCH project leader Tony Sefton. “We are at the start of a long journey, but have been encouraged by the support and buy- in we have had to date.” Outlined for the Paramount project at the core of the proposed development are theme park attractions, Europe’s largest indoor waterpark, theatres, live music venues, cinemas, restaurants, an event space and hotels. LRCH has assembled a development team which includes Development Securities plc, a leading development and investment company, principal land owner Lafarge, and construction company Brookfield Multiplex. The team is supported by several leading consultants and operators who would help deliver the scheme.
An independent feasibility study has suggested that the entertainment destination will draw many additional tourists to the UK each year, making a significant contribution to the economy. The nearby Eurostar rail link offers a 17-minute journey into London, or a two-hour trip to Paris. Dartford and Gravesham Borough Councils have both pledged support for the
Superstorm Sandy devastates Jersey Shore
parks Hurricane Sandy, the massive storm that slammed into the East Coast of the United States on October 29 caused major damage at four New Jersey amusement parks. Funtown Amusement Pier in Seaside Park was devastated as a 75 x 35ft (23 x 11m) portion of the pier was washed away. Six rides fell into the Atlantic Ocean, including a Schwarzkopf looping coaster, a bungee tower, go-kart track, Wisdom Tornado and Dartron Hang Glider. A building housing arcade games was also lost.
In nearby Seaside Heights, a 70ft (21m) section of Casino Pier was also torn apart, launching several rides into the surf. Lost were the Star Jet rollercoaster by Miler, Stillwalk Manor dark ride, Reverchon log flume and Centrifuge building containing an Eli Bridge Scrambler. Fantasy Island Amusement Park on Long Beach Island in Beach Haven, was severely flooded, with all of their 19 rides under water and the park covered with sand. All the rides survived, however, and will be ready for 2013. Keensburg Amusement Park in Keensburg endured a tidal surge that inundated their arcade building and Chance carousel. Other North American parks experiencing major damage include Luna
Park and Deno's Wonder Wheel Park at Coney Island, New York, and Playland in Rye, New York. Both suffered flooding and portions of their nearby boardwalks are missing.
28 NOVEMBER 2012
Paramount Thames outline plan
project, which still requires financing. The £2bn investment figure quoted does include contributions from Paramount Licensing. “Post Olympics, this is Britain’s next major regeneration opportunity,” believes Sefton, who also serves as managing director of the leisure consultancy Vision XS. ”Over the next 12 to 18 months we will be progressing the planning application, while embarking on a wide-reaching programme of community consultation and securing further commercial agreements with third parties. Our timetable for delivery, including the planning application process and construction timetable, is geared towards completion and opening in 2018.”
Transformers for
Universal Studios Orlando Universal Studios Florida has been confirmed as the third park to open Transformers: The Ride – 3D, following its success at Universal Studios Hollywood and Singapore.
The blockbuster attraction, inspired by the Transformers film franchise and Hasbro toy line, will open at the Orlando park, part of Universal Orlando Resort, in summer 2013. It should give a shot in the arm to Universal Studios since the massive success of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at neighbouring Islands of Adventure. Combining larger-than-life Transformers characters and an exciting storyline with life-like high definition CGI media, 3D technology and special effects, the attraction will place riders right in the middle of an epic battle between good and evil. “Transformers: The Ride – 3D is the perfect addition to Universal Orlando’s thrilling theme park experiences,” highlights Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative. “The ride has already proven to be a hit at our Hollywood and Singapore parks, and we’re excited that Universal Orlando guests will soon be able to join the Autobots in the fight to save the world.” Work has already begun on creating the new attraction, which will have one of the shortest build times in Universal history. In the meantime Universal guests keen for a 3D dark ride adventure can check out The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man at Islands of Adventure, upgraded with new high definition 3D.
prepareforbattle.com
Transformers
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