Merlin Entertainments have gone to the Birmingham council this week with plans to build a Legoland Discovery Centre in the Barclaycard Arena, replacing 140 parking spaces and covering three floors on the south side of the landmark building.
According to the planning report, the Legoland Discovery Centre will consist of interactive Lego-themed attractions and games, a cafe, a range of exciting indoor rides, a shop, and a 4D cinema, and is expected to bring in up to 2,560 guests during the busiest days.
The Express and Star reports that Planning officer Victoria Chadaway said, “This proposal would reinforce and promote Birmingham’s role as a centre for tourism, culture and events.
“It would support the city’s existing tourist facilities by providing a new family-focused attraction which would contribute to the city’s continued success as a destination for visitors,” she said, adding that it complied with council planning policies and should be approved.
Although the decision to go ahead would represent a massive boost to the city centre and key regeneration area Westside, one objection has been brought to light by the company who is responsible for the Symphony Court apartment block opposite the site, who have major concerns about the noise the attraction could bring to the area.
The Centre will also fill up the existing retail space which was originally developed, but has never been used, as part of Barclaycard’s sponsorship deal with the National Indoor Arena.
The planning committee will make their final decision on Thursday.
https://www.expressandstar.com/entertainment/2017/02/11/follow-the-lego-brick-road-major-legoland-attraction-to-be-built-in-birmingham/
