Lafarge Tarmac has signed a binding option agreement with London Resort Company Holdings (LRCH) to sell 388 acres of its Swanscombe Works cement plant, where the London Paramount entertainment resort is set to be built.
The Swanscombe Peninsular was once home to the largest cement plant in the UK, dating back to the 19th Century. It is pictured below in 1870. 
The cement plant was closed in 1993 by former owner Blue Circle, which was acquired by Lafarge of France in 2001. A nearby Blue Circle quarry became the Bluewater shopping centre, which opened in 1999.
Lafarge Tarmac CEO Cyrille Ragoucy said: “We take a long-term view of our landholdings from mineral extraction to development and restoration; creating jobs, supporting communities and continuing responsible environmental stewardship. We are proud to be part of this exciting project. This is a fitting legacy for land which has been owned by Lafarge Tarmac for over 140 years.”
LRCH executive director David Testa said: “With this agreement in place, the vision for North Kent as the home of a nationally significant, multi-billion pound entertainment resort employing thousands of people is moving closer to becoming a reality. It further underlies our commitment to delivering the project and is welcome news as we continue to consultant and engagement with the local Dartford and Gravesham communities living near the site and more widely with our interested parties.”
Two stages of public consultation have so far been held by LRCH. Two further stages of consultation are planned on the emerging plans for the resort, prior to the submission of a draft development consent order to the Planning Inspectorate in autumn 2015.
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