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Py Gerbeau is leaving the London Resort project with those in charge saying the development will be significantly scaled back to accommodate a number of environmental concerns
Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 22 Dec 2022
PY Gerbeau - chief executive of the controversial and long-running London Resort project - has stepped down from his role following the withdrawal of a planning application earlier this year.
The London Resort has been hit with numerous problems and delays, including the withdrawal of key IP partners, transport issues and environmental concerns.
Among its issues, the brownfield site on which the proposed resort will be built gained added protections following its designation by Natural England as a site of special scientific interest (SSSI). The site is home to animals including water voles, otters, birds and a rare species of spider. Both ITV and the BBC had until recently been involved in the project, but both companies withdrew from the project in response to these environmental concerns.
Additionally, changes to the ports of Tilbury and Grays on the Essex side of the Thames were having an impact on the resort’s development plans.
Despite Gerbeau’s departure, LRCH has revealed plans to submit a significantly altered planning application in the coming year, with the proposed resort having been markedly scaled back.
According to LRCH, the £2.5bn (€2.83bn, US$3bn) resort will no longer occupy the entire Swanscombe Peninsula, accounting for areas designated as SSSI. LRCH bosses also say that the long-delayed resort will “move forward at pace” once the new application has been submitted. Gerbeau will continue to advise LRCH while he pursues other opportunities.
“Progress has not been easy or straightforward. We have faced a number of issues which have delayed us,” Steve Norris, chairman of LRCH, told KentOnline
“It will be funded, has a realistic and deliverable business plan and compelling partnerships with global brands. It’s time to move forward at pace with our new application.”
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