US $1.5bn funding secured for Star Trek attraction

US$1.5 billion of funding has been secured for a major tourism and theme park development in Jordan, featuring a Star-Trek inspired attraction.

Construction work on the 74-hectare Red Sea Astrarium project in Aqaba, which will include four hotels and 17 entertainment developments, is expected to start early next year, The National reported.

The project is being funded by investors from the US and the Gulf, according to a partner in the project.

The Amman company Rubicon Group Holding, which makes animated films, said in May that it would design and produce the entertainment elements of the resort.

The “Star Trek” attraction is being creatively developed by Paramount Recreation.

TRSA is expected to generate employment for more than 500 high-skilled workers in the local community, with RGH facilitating the training for these key jobs, as well.

“At its core, Star Trek is about bringing worlds together and about a profound hope for the future,” said Liz Kalodner, EVP and general manager of CBS Consumer Products.

“We are proud to bring such a unique, interactive Star Trek property to this part of the world to be a part of Jordan’s future.”

The themed entertainment destination will also serve as a model for “green energy,” incorporating state-of-the-art renewable technologies throughout the facility, and hosting a “future” pavilion where businesses, students and attendees can learn about alternative energy sources ranging from solar and wind energy to greywater harvesting.

The Star Trek-themed centre will deliver a variety of multi-sensory 23rd-century experiences, culminating with a state-of-the art space-flight adventure that takes real-time immersive entertainment experiences to bold new heights.

Architectural firm Callison has been engaged to work with Rubicon Group Holding and its team, including Paramount Recreation and CBS, to master plan and create a world class destination resort.

“TRSA will be a destination showcase in an extraordinary part of Jordan,” said Randa S. Ayoubi, CEO of Rubicon Group Holding.

“The opportunity to lead the design on such a remarkable project and to work with such world class partners as CBS and Paramount is a dream-come-true for the entire RGH family. We are honored, elated, and proud to have our Themed Entertainment team in charge of moving this project forward.”