UK-based visitor attraction operator Merlin Entertainments will open a US$15m (£9m, 11m euro) Sea Life aquarium in Phoenix, Arizona early next year.

Scheduled to open in time for Easter 2010, the 26,000sq ft aquarium will be located at the city's Mills Mall mixed-use development and will include 12 different habitat zones housing more than 30 display tanks.

Glenn Earlam, managing director of Merlin's Midway Attractions, said: "This is an exciting new development for the company and we are delighted to be going to Phoenix.

"We have already proved that quality retail and leisure provide an ideal commercial mix for our midway brands - which are two to three-hour stay indoor attractions. They not only provide an ideal extra element to a family shopping day out, but more importantly drive significant incremental traffic for our retail partners.

Earlam added that the company is actively looking at further expanding its portfolio of attractions in North America. Sea Life Phoenix will become Merlin's eighth attraction in the US and the 36th Sea Life aquarium worldwide.

"The US is one of our primary development markets. Our success depends greatly on our proven ability to choose exactly the right location for each of our attraction brands.

"Indeed, our development team are reviewing sites across the US in line with our aggressive growth plans, and we believe the company has a very exciting future here."