Paramount is to open its first European branded theme park in Alhama de Murcia, Spain, as part of a EUR1.1bn (£950m, US$1.5bn) tourism project expected to open in spring 2015.

Proyectos Emblemáticos Murcianos (Premursa) is behind the scheme, which will also boast a 1.03 million sq m (11.1 million sq ft) LifeStyle Center business and leisure complex.

Premursa has secured a long-term agreement with Paramount Licensing for the development and operation of the 550,000sq m (5.9 million sq ft) theme park.

Paramount will not be investing in the project but will assist in the creation of the park, which is to feature more than 30 attractions and two themed hotels.

Retail and restaurant units and the Paramount Live live-stage-spectacular will be located in the Paramount Promenade at the grand entrance to the park.

Meanwhile, the main theme park will boast four themed areas: Adventure City for action fans; Rango's West; Woodland Fantasy for kids; and Plaza Futura offering science-fiction experiences.

Meanwhile, the LifeStyle Center complex will offer seven hotels, including two four-star sites with a convention area and a five-star property incorporating a casino.

The commercial area of the development will be established in the 150,000sq m (1.6 million sq ft) Street Mall and contain a number of restaurant and night leisure facilities.

An auditorium; an exhibition room; and a large convention area are also proposed, as well as a business complex to create a new financial hub for the Murcian region.

Paramount Licensing executive vice president Michael Bartok said: "Paramount chose the Region of Murcia for this project because of the exceptional qualities that make it a popular tourist destination.

"The support from the regional and local governments as well as Premursa is remarkable and we look forward to creating a world-class destination."

Details: www.premursa.com