Dickens World – the new £62m themed visitor complex at Chatham Maritime near Kent – will open at Easter 2007.

The 4-acre (1.6-hectare) attraction will feature the life, work and times of the famous British author.

It will comprise The Haunted House of Ebeneezer Scrooge, a soft play area for children called Fagins Den and a 250-seat theatre presenting multi-sensory animatronic shows during the day and live ‘supper’ shows at night.

A dark boat ride will transport visitors from the depths of the London sewers, through the streets, courtyards, markets and shops of Victorian England, before ending in a flight across the rooftops of London.

There will also be Peggoty’s Boat House, The School Room and The Old Curiosity Shoppe as well as a themed restaurant and café.

The attraction will also feature a specially created kinetic sign featuring Charles Dickens and two of his characters -– the Artful Dodger and Little Nell – in a Dickensian wherry boat, designed by creative director Deniz Yesilirmak and illustrator Jonathan Burton.

Kevin Christie, director of Dickens World, said: “I am thrilled with Burton’s stunning design. It will feature a globe and clock when closed but will dramatically open at periodic intervals to reveal a pair of hands holding a boat containing the characters. It aims to attract the attention of visitors enjoying the site as an exciting feature in its own right.”

In addition, a 2,000-seat, nine-screen Odeon multiplex cinema has already opened on site, which is screening a different Charles Dickens feature film daily during half-term.

The theme park – which will be operated by Continuum Group – is based on a design by the late Gerry O'Sullivan-Bere and is being designed and built by RMA. Details: www.dickensworld.co.uk