The man who helped raise £2 billion towards the cost of the Olympic Games in London is getting behind Paramount Park at Swanscombe.

Chris Townsend, the former commercial director at London 2012 organiser LOCOG, will do the same role with developers London Resort Company Holdings to create the theme park.

Mr Townsend is understood to have begun talks with investors to raise funding for the project on the 872-acre site on the Swanscombe peninsula.

He said: "This is a really exciting project and one that can build on the legacy of the 2012 Games.

"The project has a stellar team, a wonderful vision, an excellent location and transport links, the support of the local councils, and a comprehensive business plan.

"All the ingredients are in place to make this project a great British success.

"I am looking forward to capitalising on the encouraging appetite from investors to date, and showcasing the project to a wide range of national and international parties."

During his six years as commercial director for LOCOG, Mr Townsend secured and managed over £2 billion of private finance for the organising committee and was responsible for all forms of revenue.

A computer-generated image of what Paramount Park could look like

A public consultation on the park is set to begin in January, a planning application by the autumn, approved plans set for September 2014 and construction possibly beginning as early as July 2015.

Before London 2012, Mr Townsend was group marketing director for Transport for London, responsible for the launch of the Oyster card.