Merlin Entertainments is continuing its expansion across China with plans for a new Legoland resort in the Fangshan district of Beijing, according to local media reports.
Merlin is already developing three Legoland attractions in China – Legoland Shanghai Resort, Legoland Sichuan Resort, and the world’s largest Legoland resort in Shenzhen.
The company is yet to officially announce the new Legoland in Beijing, but China Daily reports that the resort will cover an area 304,000 square meters and will house a theme park and hotel.
Legoland Shenzhen Resort will be spread across around 580,000 square metres. It will be operated by Merlin Entertainments, with Hazens Holdings as its local partner. The development is expected to cost more than $1bn, and is due to launch in 2024.
Legoland theme park and hotel in Beijing
Construction started on Legoland Shanghai Resort in November 2021. It is set to be one of the largest Legoland resorts in the world when it opens in the Jinshan district in 2024.
Legoland Sichuan will be operated by Merlin and is due to open in 2023. “This will be a very large development,” John Jakobsen, chief operating officer for Legoland Resorts Group, told blooloop.
“And, actually, that is the case for all three projects we now have under contract in China,” he added. “They are going to be big, compared to what we would normally develop.”
Last year, Universal Beijing Resort opened to visitors following 20 years of planning and construction. The attraction is already preparing for its second phase of construction, which includes five new hotels.
Images: Merlin Entertainments
