Merlin, CMC to build Legoland theme park in Shanghai

The U.K.’s Merlin Entertainments has joined forces with China Media Capital to build a Legoland Resort near Shanghai. The deal has the backing of Lego brand owner, Danish firm Kirkbi, and the Shanghai Jinshan government.

To be located in the Jinshan District in southwest Shanghai, the new park is expected to be one of the largest Legoland resorts in the world and will include a 250-room themed hotel.

The location has a catchment area of 55 million people within two hours of travel time. The region comprising Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui has an estimated population of 220 million and is already home to Shanghai Disneyland, which opened in June 2016.

“All parties will form a joint venture company and contribute funding to the construction and development of Legoland Shanghai. The total project investment is expected to be approximately GBP500 million ($625 million),” the companies said in a statement. “The schedule for the project is still to be determined, but the project is not expected to open until after 2023.”