KidZania, the Mexico-based educational theme park concept, has signed a license agreement with Longshot Kids to open its first location in the UK within the next two years.

Longshot Kids is an affiliate of Longshot, a company led by entrepreneurs Ollie Vigors and Joel Cadbury and former owner of private members establishment, The Groucho Club.

London's KidZania joins a development pipeline featuring sites in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Santiago, Chile; and and Sao Paulo, Brazil - all of which are scheduled to open this year.

The educational concept provides children between the ages of four- and 12-years-old with a realistic city environment and nearly 100 role-playing activities to cater for a range of abilities.

Children "work" across a number of jobs and earn kidZos, the concept's own currency, to then spend on services throughout the KidZania city.

KidZania chief executive officer Xavier Lopez said; "London is a flagship European market for KidZania, and we have a brilliant and creative partner in Longshot."

Cadbury added: "It is a privilege to bring this unique educational and entertainment experience to the children of Great Britain."

Details: www.kidzania.com

Image: KidZania Koshien, Japan – Masahiko Ohkubo/flickr.com