The £2bn (US$3.2bn, €2.5bn) London Paramount development in Kent, UK, took the first step today (24 February) in welcoming some more down-to-earth characters to its fold.

Shaun the Sheep, Wallace and Gromit and Rocky the Rooster from the animated movie Chicken Run look likely to feature at the resort after IP-owners Aardman Animations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the developer, London Resort Company Holdings Ltd (LRCH).

"Today's agreement is fantastic news for everyone involved,” said LRCH director David Testa. “Our vision for the London Paramount Entertainment Resort is to create a world-class destination that combines the glamour of Hollywood with the best of British culture. Our agreement with Aardman will bring a number of the nation's favourite characters to the resort and introduce them to a whole new international audience."

The animated heroes have struck a chord with their comedy antics over the years to become firm favourites with the British public and foreign fans alike. Creator Nick Park’s stop-motion animated characters Wallace and Gromit, who starred in The Wrong Trousers, have become major cultural icons.

Sean Clarke, head of rights and brand development at Aardman Studios, said the animation company was proud to entertain audiences all over the world. “This is a great foundation on which to work with LRCH, with a view to creating a range of highly entertaining and immersive attractions with our brands at the London Paramount Entertainment resort,” he said.

If the deal goes ahead as planned, cheese-loving Wallace and his colleagues will be sharing the limelight at London Paramount with some glamorous mega-franchise friends.

Mission Impossible is expected to feature in Action Park, and Star Trek is getting its own area. It was recently announced that BBC IP’s are to be incorporated, including Doctor Who, Top Gear and Sherlock.

LRCH is moving forward with its land deal to purchase a former cement works in Kent where the development will be located. It’s scheduled to open in 2020.

The Paramount London Entertainment Resort will feature a theme park, waterpark, sports facilities, an entertainment street, staff training academy and 5,000 hotel rooms.