The Midlands could be set to get its own mini Legoland if the NEC Group gets its way.

The Bickenhill-based business has set the ball rolling to create the attraction at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham city centre.

It would consist of a venue and store within the footprint of the arena which is located off Broad Street.

The NEC Group, which owns the arena, has begun the process of seeking planning permission to change the use of some parts of the canalside venue, thought to be new retail units and conferencing space.

This would open the door to a letting to Merlin Entertainments, the owner of the Legoland brand, which is believed to be interested in taking it up.

Merlin Entertainments also owns Warwick Castle.

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The attraction would represent a major boost both to Birmingham city centre and the Midlands area.

It is thought the centre would be similar to the Legoland discovery centre at the Trafford Centre in Greater Manchester.

That attraction boasts activities such as a 4D cinema, Kingdom Quest laser ride and Forest Pursuit Driving School.

The plans will likely excite families and city leaders alike, with an acceptance that Birmingham city centre does not offer a big enough draw to families.

A spokesperson for the NEC Group said that, while planning information letters went out yesterday about a leisure attraction at Barclaycard Arena, it could not confirm the name of the proposed occupier.

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However, she said; “CBRE, on behalf of the NEC Group, has distributed public planning information letters regarding exciting plans to introduce a major new family leisure attraction into the Barclaycard Arena.

“The NEC Group is focused on creating destinations of the future and is committed to connecting audiences with great content, creating unforgettable live experiences.

“This will be an important addition to the leisure facilities already provided by the Barclaycard Arena and will offer a number of valuable benefits including job creation and by adding to the tourism and leisure offer in the area.

“The intention is to submit a planning application in early December 2016 and, if successful, it is hoped the attraction will be open in 2018.

“Details supporting the formal planning application will be published on Birmingham City Council’s website and will also be made available from its planning office.

“The planning application must be approved by committee before further information can be released.”

While details will take time to emerge, the Trafford Centre’s Legoland features themed rides and Merlin’s Apprentice.

Presently, there are six Legoland theme parks, including in Windsor, Germany and Florida, and discovery centres in Germany, Toronto, Istanbul, Osaka, Tokyo and six in the US.