Children from the North West are in for treat after plans for a new £1.5m family entertainment centre have been revealed for the Albert Dock in Liverpool.
Fans of Thomas the Tank Engine, Bob the Builder and Fireman Sam will enjoy Mattel Play! Liverpool - the first branded attraction of its kind in Europe.
The interactive 13,000 square foot facility will be installed in the Grand Hall at the Albert Dock and will be operated by Heritage Great Britain plc, the group behind iconic tourist attractions and destinations including Land’s End and Snowdon Mountain Railway.
Mattel Play! Liverpool is scheduled to open in Spring 2016.
Chairman of the Albert Dock Sue Grindrod said: “The investment made by Heritage Great Britain plc in Mattel Play! Liverpool is considerable.
" This attraction adds an exciting new dimension to the diverse and family-friendly offer at Albert Dock which is the North West’s most visited tourist attraction.
“We are confident that this addition will bring a positive impact on the wider waterfront.”
Families will be able to get up close to some of these most beloved characters in various zones with rides and interactive activities including Thomas the Tank.
Senior director at Global Live Events and Attractions, Mattel (inc HIT Entertainment and Fisher Price) Julie Freeland said: “Liverpool is the perfect location and Heritage Great Britain the perfect partner for this new world-class attraction.
“Our brands are known and loved by children around the world and the architectural splendour of Albert Dock provides the perfect backdrop for launching our first Mattel Play!”
CEO, Heritage Great Britain plc Allan Leech added: “We already have the experience of running some of the biggest visitor attractions and landmark brands in the UK.
“We are the custodians of the iconic Land’s End, John O’Groats, Snowdon Mountain Railway and The Needles and now for these great British children’s brands.”
Find out more about Heritage Great Britain here or by visit their Facebook page or Twitter .
6 facts about Mattel
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It is the world's largest toy company.
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It designs and manufactures a wide variety of toy products in 150 countries.
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Products include the iconic Barbie dolls, Hot Wheels and Disney Princesses.
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Mattel was founded in 1945 by Elliot and Ruth Handler.
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Ruth hooked up with an old friend, Harold 'Matt' Matson, and they started Mattel Creations, with Elliot designing products. The name Mattel was formed by combining Matson's last name with Handler's first name. Ill health soon forced Matson to sell out.
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Mattel first entered the picture frame business using scrap plastic and wood. With the leftover wood slats and plastic, Elliot Handler designed dollhouse furniture.
