Plans for a US$1.6bn (1.2bn euro, £1bn) expansion of the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park and production facilities in California have been approved by Los Angeles City Council.

The blueprint for the San Fernando Valley site includes plans to upgrade and improve the production and post production facilities as well as a redevelopment of the entertainment destination.

The NBC Universal Evolution Plan, which has been seven years in the making, will go before the Los Angeles County Regional Planning Commission for final approval.

If given the go-ahead, the 391-acre Universal City property will see the addition of 150,000 sq ft (13,935 sq m) of theme park uses, a new 500-room hotel for the CityWalk and Theme Park area and 200,000 sq ft (18,581 sq m) of additional studio office and support facilities.

Improvements at the Universal Studios Hollywood Theme Park and CityWalk include new and updated rides and shows, enhancing the studio tour and providing new retail, entertainment and dining options.

The NBC Universal Evolution Plan is a 20-year blueprint that would be developed in stages based on market conditions.

NBC Universal expects the project to generate more than US$2bn (1.47bn euro, £1.27bn) a year for the Los Angeles economy.

A spokesperson for NBC Universal said: "These advancements will secure our role as one of the world's largest working studios, keeping high-paying production jobs in Los Angeles while adding significant investment and tax revenue to our local economy."