Dreamworks is expanding its worldwide attractions presence, with plans for a major indoor theme park in Moscow – the largest in Europe – as part a large mixed-use US$1bn (€900m, £642m) development scheme in the heart of the city.

First announced in 2013, Moscow officials recently approved the project, which will welcome Dreamworks' IPs such as Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar to the Russian capital.

Russian development company Regions Group is behind the 293,900sq m (3.2m sq ft) indoor complex in the Nagatinskaya Poyma leisure park, which will house entertainment zones including a multiplex cinema and children’s cafés.

The redevelopment of Nagatinskaya Poyma is part of an ongoing facelift of Moscow, initiated by former culture minister, Sergei Kapkov. The mixed-use complex will also feature a concert hall, yacht school, a Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of the Moscow River, themed retail areas, other dining spaces and promenades. Much of the development will be public park land and will include a pedestrian zone along the bank of the Moscow River.

Expected daily visitor traffic at the complex is 70,000 people, according to the developers. The plans for Dreamworks in Russia don’t stop there, with further plans for parks in St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg. The Dreamworks portion of the development is scheduled for completion in 2018.