Mattel-Themed FEC Planned For Historic Liverpool Waterfront

LIVERPOOL, UK -- The Grand Hall at Albert Dock will be the home of a new branded family entertainment center. Operated by Heritage Great Britain plc, Mattel Play Liverpool will encompass 13,000 square feet and cost £1.5 million ($2.3 million).

According to Heritage officials, the new FEC will feature a host of popular children's characters, including Thomas & Friends, Bob the Builder and Fireman Sam.

"We already have the experience of running some of the biggest visitor attractions and landmark brands in the UK," said Heritage Great Britain chief executive Allan Leech. "We are the custodians of the iconic Land's End and John O'Groats, Snowdon Mountain Railway and the Needles sites, and now for these great British children's brands."

Albert Dock is a historic site that was repurposed from its original 19th century industrial and shipping center to a tourist attraction in the late 1980s. It features museums and restaurants, among other attractions, celebrating Liverpool's rich history.

The Mattel Play FEC is scheduled to open in spring 2016.

CHEERS!Celebrating the new £1.5m Mattel Play Liverpool, from left, are Danielle Tanton, Mattel Live Events and Attractions; Graham Cook, Albert Dock Co. director; Allan Leech, Heritage Great Britain chief executive; Sue Grindrod, Albert Dock chairman; Peter Johnson-Treherne, Heritage financial director; and Julie Freeland, Global Live Events & Attractions senior director.