The Legoland theme parks have been boosted by a recent movie based on the toys The Legoland theme parks have been boosted by a recent movie based on the toys

Legoland Dubai remains on track to open in the emirate in 2016, its developer has confirmed, also revealing plans for further global expansion.

Having originally been proposed in 2008, the project was put on hold as a result of the financial crisis; Merlin Entertainment revealed fresh plans for the theme park in November, with funding from Meraas Malls and Hospitality, among others.

In its financial report for the first half of the year, the British operator once again confirmed the target opening date and other global plans for the Lego-branded theme parks, which were boosted by the release of The Lego Movie earlier this year.

“Legoland Dubai remains on track to open in 2016 under a management contract, and there are a number of further potential Legoland projects which remain under development, primarily in South Korea, the USA and China," it said.

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Legoland Japan is expected to open late in the second quarter of 2017, while construction work has begun on 152-room Legoland Florida hotel, to open in 2015.

Globally, Merlin Entertainments’ attractions welcomed 27.5 million gusts in the first half of 2014, up 6.6% on the same period last year.

Revenues were up 6.1% on a reported basis (up 8.1% like-for-like) to £513 million, while its operating profit was up 10% to £71 million.

"Merlin Entertainments continued to make significant progress through the first half of 2014," said Merlin Entertainments CEO Nick Varney.

"Against a backdrop of ongoing currency headwinds, we have delivered further growth in visitor numbers, revenues and profits, with continued delivery from our existing estate, underpinned by the ongoing roll out of our unique portfolio of international leisure brands.

"The first half performance was supported by the more favourable weather in Northern Europe and a particularly strong Legoland performance, which was fuelled partly by effective marketing around the internationally successful Lego movie. This offset a relatively weaker performance by the Midway Attractions Operating Group which was affected by a number of external events."