Plans for a huge theme park in the southeast which was due to open in 2025 have been withdrawn. The London Resort would have included a huge medieval-themed castle and lava waterfalls with massive rides on a site the size of 136 Wembley Stadiums.
The London Resort has today announced on its website that the current application has been withdrawn. In a statement, PY Gerbeau said: “In the best interests of the London Resort, we are withdrawing the current application; as a result of the classification of Tilbury as a Freeport which has meant revisions are required in moving the ferry terminal from Tilbury to Grays. We are working closely and collaborating with Thurrock Council on that matter."
At the end of their statement, The London Resort state they are "still 100% committed" to the project. The resort's CEO said plans will be resubmitted before the end of 2022.
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The resort recognises that the best route for the project is "through withdrawal and resubmission of a fresh DCO application" which will happen within this calendar year. They had previously made a commitment to spend £150m on environmental improvements on the peninsula.
The statement reveals one of the main reasons the proposals have had to be withdrawn. The classification of Tilbury as a Freeport has meant that revisions are now required in order to move the ferry terminal to Grays, reports KentLive.
The London Resort say they are "working closely" with Thurrock Council on the matter. Another key issue which derailed the proposals was the decision by Natural England to "designate a brownfield contaminated site" as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Here's the full statement from the resort's CEO, PY Gerbeau.
“In the best interests of the London Resort, we are withdrawing the current application; as a result of the classification of Tilbury as a Freeport which has meant revisions are required in moving the ferry terminal from Tilbury to Grays. We are working closely and collaborating with Thurrock Council on that matter.
“This issue, combined with the decision by Natural England to designate a brownfield contaminated site as a SSSI has impacted the project. We in turn have acquired significant land holdings as part of our mitigation strategy combined with our commitment to spend £150m on environmental improvements on the peninsula. These changes are considered material and as such require withdrawal and resubmission.
“We have repeatedly petitioned for latitude, extensions of time and of course understanding from the Examining Authority and the Planning Inspectorate. Their teams have been extremely supportive, but we recognise that the best route for the Project is through withdrawal and resubmission of a fresh DCO application within this calendar year.
“We will continue our engagement with the local community, statutory bodies, landowners and others to make sure we can reach as many agreements as possible before resubmission. Make no mistake we are still 100% committed to this amazing project and we will resubmit before the end of 2022 and look forward to delivering a world class entertainment resort – the UK deserves better and we will make it happen!”
