GB: Yet Again A New Leisure Resort for London?
As reported earlier, the London Resort, which according to the plans will arise on a site between the two parishes of Greenhithe and Northfleet located around half an hour drive from London, is set to become a large-scale leisure and entertainment complex.
Most recently, another mega project has been announced to be developed on a brownfield site in Silvertown (London). Indian Essel Group – a media conglomerate based in Mumbai, which also operates Mumbai’s EsselWorld theme park and the Water Kingdom waterpark – is in talks with the city development planners to erect a cultural centre, celebrating India’s culture and history. Several museums, a theater, a botanical garden, space for mediation, yoga and dance (amongst other offers) should bring the legacy of ancient peoples to life and showcase their impact on today’s modern civilization. According to the plans, the cultural centre will also comprise a conference centre, exhibition facilities, a hotel and a TV production studio.
A 25 hectares (62 acres) large area in close proximity to London’s Royal Docks has been selected for the realization of this large-scale project. The total investment scheduled for the cultural centre is 3.5 billion British Pounds (approx. four billion Euros), creating around 5,000 new jobs in the region. The plans have recently been submitted to the Greater London Authority (GLA), a decision is expected this month. With the Brexit looming, the Essel Group is confident that this great investment in the UK represents a massive coup for the GLA and London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
Under the assumption that the authorities grant permission for the building, the opening of the cultural centre is scheduled for 2023. Project partners are HPW Architects and the construction company Mace, which built The Shard as London’s highest landmark and visitor attraction until to date (cf. EAP news from September 22nd, 2012). (eap)
