Photo: heraldsun.com.au

Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren officially opened the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre in Melbourne at Chadstone Shopping Centre today.

The first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere – the Centre once again puts Victoria on the map – joining a global network of Lego Discovery Centres including nine in North America, four in Europe and two in Japan.

The Centre covers 2,800 square meters and contains more than 2 million Lego bricks.

Some of Melbourne’s best landmarks and iconic sights will be showcased in LEGO, including the MCG, Federation Square, Flinders Street Station and the Shrine of Remembrance.

Build and play areas and interactive rides with thousands of LEGO bricks will encourage kids to let their imaginations run wild, while the 4D Cinema will bring favourite LEGO characters to life.

More than 300,000 visitors are expected to visit LEGOLAND in its first year alone, including families from interstate and overseas, boosting jobs and our visitor economy.

The Centre will employ more than 100 local workers during busier periods like school holidays.

The LEGOLAND Discovery Centre is part of the $660 million redevelopment of the Chadstone Shopping Centre that will see 100 new stores opened across the complex.