London Resort Company Holdings have announced that they have agreed a landmark deal with ITV Studios, paving the way for some of the best-known brands from British television to feature as part of the major theme park and resort.
The agreement with ITV Studios will potentially see characters and content based around some of ITV’s popular shows form the basis of some of the rides and attractions which will feature as part of the theme park resort, set to be built on the Swanscombe Peninsula in Kent.
At this stage it is currently unknown exactly which of ITV’s many brands could feature as part of the development, however, the TV channel is home to a wide range of programmes including Coronation Street, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, Thunderbirds are Go!, and Love Island. ITV studios also produce a wide range of children’s programming which could potentially feature in areas of the Resort focused on children and young families.
Speaking about the partnership, Steve Green, Executive Vice President Kids Content and Distribution, ITV Studios Global Entertainment said:
“ITV Studios creates more than TV, building global franchises loved by generations of families, and we look forward to seeing our biggest global brands brought to life on such a grand scale right here in the UK.”
Steve Norris, Chairman of London Resort Company Holdings, added:
“To create a world class destination, you have to work with world class partners and ITV Studios ticks every box.
“Globally recognised for its rich heritage of creating some of the most popular and entertaining content on the small screen, ITV has properties which have never been transformed into truly unique experiences.
“That’s the vision and I’m delighted to welcome them on board for what promises to be an epic journey.”
This latest announcement from the London Resort comes following a period of uncertainty for the project. Last November, it was confirmed that the opening date for London Resort had been pushed back until 2024, the fifth time the project’s opening date has been delayed. The news also comes almost two years after it was announced that the partnership with Paramount Pictures was terminated. It is currently anticipated that the Development Consent Order for the project will be submitted late 2019 or early 2020.
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