Paramount theme park developers buy first 18 acres of land

London Paramount says the park will have 50 rides and attractions based on films and TV programmes

Developers behind a planned £2bn theme park have bought 18 acres (7 ha) of land in north Kent.

A former landfill site, known as Bamber Pit, and a sports ground on the Swanscombe Peninsula were bought by London Resort Company Holdings.

The firm said it was the first "outright land purchase" it had made for the Paramount resort, which has yet to be given government approval.

It estimates the park, near Dartford, will create up to 27,000 jobs.

Plans include a water attraction and a Hollywood-inspired theme park

David Testa, of London Paramount, said the agreement meant its vision for a "nationally significant, multi-billion pound entertainment resort" had moved another "step closer to becoming a reality".

"It further underlies our commitment to delivering the project and is welcome news as we continue to consult and engage with the local Dartford and Gravesham communities near the site and more widely with our interested parties."

The planned park will have more than 50 rides and attractions based on films and TV programmes on a 900-acre brownfield site, according to London Paramount.

More than 50 companies currently based on the Swanscombe Peninsula fear they will be given compulsory purchase orders if the development goes ahead.