Construction work has begun on a 15 hectare expansion of German theme park Europa-Park. A spokesperson confirmed that as part of the project, the attraction is to open a new major ride in time for the summer season 2009.

The park, the second largest in Europe behind Disneyland Paris in terms of visitor numbers, already boasts 54 rides and it is believed that the expansion’s centrepiece will be a roller coaster built by the park’s owner, Mack Rides, which would increase the number of coasters at the park to 10.

The expansion will increase the park’s size from 70 to 85 hectares and will be completed in phases.

The announcement comes as the park launched two new family attractions for the 2008 season. The Crazy Taxi and London Bus – both located at the Park’s English area – were supplied by Italian ride manufacturer Zamperla and are themed around transport in the English capital city.

The park has also added to its extensive range of restaurants by opening an Asian-themed wok restaurant at the Piraten in Batavia dark ride.

Europa-Park directors Roland and Jürgen Mack broke the ground on the development alongside Günther Gorecky, mayor of Rust

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