The company behind the park, The London Resort, announced it has taken significant steps in its preparation to submit proposals later this year with the launch of a public consultation for the £3.5 billion theme park.

The project will be the first theme park of its kind in Europe to be built from scratch since Disneyland Paris opened in 1992.

The London Resort said: “The project will be one of the largest construction projects across Europe. 30,000 people and a multi-billion pound investment will transform seven million square meters of land, on the banks of the Thames, into one of the largest, immersive experience centres in the world.

“The world’s finest theme park engineers and designers will fuse with best of British and International brands to create a resort of global appeal, just 17 minutes from central London.

“When complete, it will be three times larger than any other park in the UK. Two theme parks and a resort water park will be set over 535 acres, the equivalent of 136 Wembley Stadiums. A bespoke entertainment district, including the provision of 3,500 hotel rooms, will be devoted to a full suite of hospitality experiences. There will be something for every generation and food and drink for every taste.

“But it’s the rides and the experiences which will take The London Resort to another level. Brands from across literature, television, music, film and entertainment, are being hand-picked to create unique experiences never previously imagined.”

Chief executive PY Gerbeau added: “The team have been immense, working incredibly hard during these awful times. I joined just under a year ago and we are always being asked to hurry up. Well, I am happy to tell you we have made strong progress and these reports are hugely important. This is a significant step in transforming an amazing and ambitious dream into reality.

“We obviously can’t hold a public consultation in the normal way – but we will make sure we reach out to local residents and businesses as well as the wider community and stakeholders. We are talking to Government about how we will be using digital technology, websites, video conferences and online Question and Answer Sessions.”