Merlin Entertainments has unveiled plans to open the first of a new mini-Legoland concept in Germany next year.

The UK-based company – which operates the Sea Life Centre and Dungeon brands as well as the four Legoland parks, and also owns the Earth Explorer attraction in Belgium and recently acquired the Gardaland theme park in Italy – will open the first Legoland Discovery Centre in Berlin at Easter 2007.

The 3,000sq m (32,300sq ft) attraction, located in Potsdamer Platz, will include a Berlin MiniLand, a castle ride, a factory tour experience, play areas and a 4D cinema.

Mark Oakley, a spokesperson for Merlin, said: “We firmly believe Legoland Discovery Centre represents a new, high value attraction with rollout potential in Europe, North America and elsewhere.”

The Daily Telegraph, has reported today that Merlin has been approached by betting company Ladbrokes to include a Legoland attraction as part of its proposed bid to operate a supercasino in Blackpool.

"Merlin Entertainments firmly believes that family leisure brands such as Sea Life and Legoland have an important role to play in the exciting new developments planned for Blackpool," said Oakley.

"Both are quality brands providing broader entertainment to both traditional and new visitors. However, while the company has spoken to a number of potential partners, as well as to the City Council, about future opportunities, no definite plans have been agreed and this is unlikely before the new casino license has been awarded.

The Casino Advisory Panel is scheduled to make its recommendation for the location of the UK’s first supercasino to secretary of state for culture, media and sport, Tessa Jowell, in January.

Photograph: The Lego Brandenburg Gate, which will be a feature of Berlin Miniland