Merlin Entertainments has announced plans to build a US$12m (8.8m euro, £7.4m) Legoland Discovery Center in Atlanta, Georgia, US.

The centre will open during Spring 2012 at the Phipps Plaza, one of the region's premier shopping destinations.

The attraction will boast interactive play areas including a 4D cinema; master classes from the LEGO Master Model Builder; LEGO-themed rides; special party rooms for birthdays and other celebrations; and a MINILAND exhibit designed to reflect the iconic buildings and skyline of Atlanta.

The Atlanta attraction will form part of Merlin's aggressive growth plan, rolling out up to seven new sites for its brands around the world every year.

Merlin currently has nine other attractions in the USA including the Legoland California theme park and Sea Life aquariums in Phoenix, Arizona, and Minneapolis.

Glenn Earlam, managing director of Merlin's Midway Attractions Operating Group, said: "North America is a very important development market for Merlin and we believe that Atlanta is a great location for us.

Merlin has worked with Simon Property Group on the project - as well as a number of other projects in the US.