Thomas, Bob and Sam head for Liverpool

Mattel Play! Liverpool is the first family entertainment centre of its kind in Europe to feature the popular kids’ brands Thomas & Friends, Bob the Builder and Fireman Sam.

Set to open this coming spring, the 13,000 sq ft outlet will be operated at the city’s Albert Dock by Heritage Great Britain PLC, the group behind landmark tourist attractions and destinations including John O’Groats, Land’s End, The Needles and Snowdon Mountain Railway.

“Liverpool is the perfect location and Heritage Great Britain the perfect partner for this new world-class attraction,” declares Julie Freeland, senior director of global live events & attractions for Mattel, the US toy company that acquired rights holder HIT Entertainment in 2012.  “Our brands are known and loved by children around the world and the architectural splendour of Albert Dock provides the perfect backdrop for launching our first Mattel Play!”

The facility will be built for the relatively modest sum of £1.5 million in the Grand Hall at the Albert Dock, which enjoys a reputation as the North West of England’s most visited tourist attraction.

Although any further Mattel Play! outlets have yet to be confirmed at this stage, a spokesperson for Heritage Great Britain says the company has a good relationship with Mattel and “great aspirations for the future.”

Pictured at the Albert Dock are (left to right) Allan Leech, CEO, Heritage Great Britain; Julie Freeland, Senior Director, Global Live Events & Attractions; and Sue Grindrod, Chairman, Albert Dock Company