Film company Paramount Pictures is looking to build what would be the largest theme park and entertainment centre in Spain in the south eastern region of Murcia.

Reportedly aimed at competing with Disneyland Paris, the project will also incorporate a film studio designed to centralise all of Paramount's production in Europe.

Spanish minister of culture, Pedro Alberto Cruz, said he has received a letter from Paramount's licensing division expressing their interest in launching the project once its economic viability has been proven.

According to Cruz, the 2.5sq km complex would create 20,000 jobs, increase the number of tourists to the area by three million and require 15,000 hotel rooms. The total cost would not be known until a master plan had been developed.

Murcian president, Ramon Luis Valcarcel is said to have been directly involved in talks with Dubai-based Ruwaad Holdings, who will be negotiating on behalf of Paramount and undertaking the feasibility studies.

Ruwaad has confirmed that Paramount will build and manage the park and movie studios, with the government giving it the necessary land, believed to be in the Condado de Alhama area.

	Connect with World Leisure Magazine: View issue contents Sign up: Instant Alerts/zines Print edition