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The US$1.08bn Legoland Shenzhen Resort is Merlin’s latest - and largest - venture in the Chinese market
Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 27 Aug 2021
The groundbreaking was celebrated with the arrival of 20,000 bricks to the site Credit: Merlin Entertainments
Merlin Entertainments has celebrated the groundbreaking of its largest-ever Legoland Resort with the on-site arrival of 20,000 Lego bricks.
Set to open in 2024, the US$1.08bn (€920m, £780m) development is located on the Dapeng Peninsula, east of Shenzhen, China.
Operated by Merlin with Hazens Holdings acting as its local partner, the venture will be the first international IP-based family entertainment theme park resort to open in Shenzhen's Greater Bay Area.
Siegfried Boerst, general manager of the upcoming attraction, said the development would feature innovative designs, new themed areas, rides and immersive shows launched for the China market. The park will also operate as a “smart park”, using technology to create the ultimate visitor experience for its guests.
Boerst also revealed that the park’s Miniland will be situated indoors to create a large, themed area with high-tech digital interactive experiences, while paying tribute to the beauty of Shenzhen and China through representative landmarks, cultural and everyday life scenes.
Echoing local characteristics, a live show has been developed at the resort exclusively for Chinese families. The attraction will also feature the world's largest Legoland theatre with more than 1,000 seats.
"Construction of the world’s largest Legoland Resort in Shenzhen marks a significant milestone for Merlin in China, reflecting the scale of opportunity in the country and our commitment to developing our business in China,” said Merlin chief executive Nick Varney.
“This forms part of Merlin’s broader strategy, alongside developing exciting attractions in partnership with some of the world’s most popular brands. The Shenzhen Legoland Resort will be a must-see destination for millions of families looking to experience the magic of Lego in China. We have already had great success with our immersive Legoland attractions around the world and look forward to working with our partners to make the Shenzhen resort a reality."
Legoland Shenzhen will be the latest in a string of investments in the Chinese market for Merlin. The company currently operates 13 Midway attractions in China, including four Legoland Discovery Centre and five Madame Tussauds, as well as a Sea Life Centre, Dungeons attraction, Peppa Pig World of Play and Little Big City in Beijing.
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