The BBC and ITV have confirmed that they are no longer involved in the London Resort, a £2.5bn theme park project in Kent’s Swanscombe Peninsula, which was previously confirmed as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
The Daily Mail reports that the BBC and ITV have pulled out of plans following a campaign called Save Swanscombe Peninsula. The London Resort was due to feature attractions and rides inspired by BBC shows including Doctor Who and Top Gear, as well as ITV’s Thunderbirds.
However, the BBC and ITV have not featured in any recent announcements or new visuals for the project. There have been no official announcements about the BBC and ITV’s involvement since 2019, and there is no mention of either on the London Resort’s website.
“BBC Studios has no commercial agreement in place with London Resort and no current plans to enter into any agreement,” a spokesperson for the BBC said.
London Resort set to open in 2025
“We would only consider doing so should there be clear and decisive evidence that the project would have a net positive environmental impact.”
“ITV’s arrangement with the London Resort was that we were a potential licensor of one of our children’s brands, which was Thunderbirds,” an ITV spokesperson added.
“We can confirm that ITV no longer has a commercial arrangement with London Resort as the agreement has now ended. This means that Thunderbirds will not be a part of the park.”
The London Resort’s CEO PY Gerbeau recently revealed that the project will continue as planned, despite the site’s SSSI designation by Natural England.
£2.5bn theme park project in Kent
“To all the naysayers and doom-mongers, the London Resort is going ahead, as planned,” Gerbeau said at the blooloop V-Expo in October while announcing the first businesses selected for the destination.
Additionally, the London Resort has plans to be one of the most sustainable entertainment destinations in the world. It will spend £150m on remediation and habitat enhancement, and will deliver a net-gain in biodiversity.
“Sustainability has always been at the core of our vision,” Gerbeau revealed. “Our proposals show how we can deliver millions for the economy and thousands of jobs for the region while protecting and enhancing natural habitats.”
Earlier this year, the London Resort revised its opening date from 2024 to 2025.
Images: The London Resort
