AusLeisure

Legoland's first theme park in Asia will feature 15,000 model structures made from an estimated 30 million Lego bricks, along with over 40 interactive rides, shows and attractions.

Set to open late next year, Legoland Malaysia is Legoland's first park in Asia and only its sixth worldwide. The park is being developed by IDR Resorts, a unit of Iskandar Investment Group, in partnership with Merlin Entertainments Group, the world's second largest visitor attraction operator which is also widely known for its other family-oriented attractions brands such as Sea Life and Madame Tussauds, and the recent purchaser of the Sydney Attractions Group.

The theme park, which will also boast miniature replicas of Asian landmarks including Malaysia's own Petronas Towers, is designed to be a key attraction of Iskandar Malaysia development in Johor state that aims to be "a sustainable metropolis of international standing," according to its owners.

Designed to "create a full-day interactive experience for families with young children between the ages of two and 12," the $240 million entertainment facility aims to become a major tourism destination for the region, says Siegfried Boerst, Legoland Malaysia's senior director for operations.

Merlin Group now operates five other Legoland theme parks in the United Kingdom, United States (one in California and another in Chicago), Germany and Denmark, birthplace of the 80 year old Lego brick that has gained popularity among children across the globe.

A Lego-themed hotel and a shopping district will also be part of the 31-hectare Legoland Malaysia development that will target 1.5 million visitors a year.

Involved in the preparation of the Lego models for the theme park are 22 young Malaysians who were selected from over 800 participants in a model-building competition conducted last year by Legoland Malaysia.

Among the models the youthful Lego enthusiasts are now putting together is a replica of the Kuala Lumpur's Petronas Towers (set to be the world's tallest Lego model when completed). Work on models of other Malaysian landmarks, along with India's Taj Majal, is also in progress, the company says.

Legoland Malaysia will not only be for or about tourists, IDR Resorts Chief Executive Zainal Ashikin b. Muhammad Rejab says in a press statement, it will also be "about bringing opportunities to the local community."

Legoland Malaysia is envisioned to be the main attraction of Iskandar Malaysia's flagship lifestyle and entertainment hub development Medini Lifestyle (formerly called Medini North), which will also have a lifestyle and wellness retail mall, commercial centers, and office buildings, according to the property developer.

Iskandar Investment says it now oversees the development of approximately 9,800 acres of land in Iskandar Malaysia that is strategically situated near Singapore as well as Johor's logistics hubs, including the Senai Airport and the international ports of Tanjung Langsat, Pasir Gudang and Tanjung Pelepas.

The group also says the development offers a diversified range of investment opportunities across six clusters in the region-education, financial advisory services, leisure and tourism, trade and logistics, healthcare and wellness, and creative industries.

7th March 2011 - LEGOLAND MALAYSIA SET FOR 2012 OPENING

21st February 2011 - LEGO DEBUTS AT SYDNEY ATTRACTIONS

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