Hard Rock International, the restaurant, hotel and casino chain, has broken ground on a US$400m (£217m, 315.6m euro) theme park at Fantasy Harbour in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA.

The 140-acre Hard Rock Park will use Hard Rock branding, but be designed, constructed, owned and operated by developer HRP Myrtle Beach Operations. Funding will come from a group of investors led by New York real estate developer Ziel Feldman.

South Carolina governor, Mark Sanford, who was at the ceremony, previously said: “Hard Rock Park represents the single largest investment in tourism infrastructure in South Carolina’s history. We believe that this project will significantly accelerate the growth of the state’s largest export – tourism.”

Myrtle Beach attracts 14 million visitors a year, staying an average of five and a half days and the park is expected to receive more than 30,000 guests per day.

The park will include more than 40 attractions in six zones “celebrating rock’s culture, lifestyle, legends and irreverence”, as well as a live music amphitheatre, rollercoasters, restaurants, cafés and a Hard Rock Hotel.

Hamish Dodds, president and CEO of Hard Rock International, said: “In both the Hard Rock Park and Hotel we will be working with some of rock’s legendary artists to create a unique entertainment venue.”

The project is scheduled to open in April 2008. Details: www.hrpusa.com