The first phase of a new TL4bn (US$1.37bn, €1.2bn, £940m) theme park, waterpark and edutainment centre is to open its doors in Antalya, Turkey, next month.

A collaboration between Rixos World Parks and Entertainment, Dubai-based Emaar Real Estate and Dragone Productions, the tourist development is expected to become the premier family destination for the region.

Dubbed ‘Land of Legends’, the park sits on the Mediterranean waterfront and covers an area of 639,000sq m (150 acres).

Included in the resort, which is laid out as its own city, is a 280,000sq m (69 acre) waterpark with 77 waterslides, a lazy river, wave pool, surf pool, 5D splash cinema and a water coaster.

Additionally, the attraction includes a 146,000sq m (36 acre) wildlife park, Europe’s first public open-air aquarium highlighted by an 1,800-seat dolphin area and an edutainment-themed FEC.

The park’s attractions are complemented by a shopping boulevard, multiple restaurants, a five-star hotel with spa and Turkish baths, and a 111m (364ft) tall viewing platform known as the Mystical Castle.

The three-phase project, which for phase one has received around TL1.5bn (US$511m, €450m, £350m) for development costs, was funded 50-50 between equity capital raised through sale of stock and private investment.

"The entertainment, leisure and shopping facilities will gradually open over the course of the year,” said Rixos chair Fettah Tamince.

“We have every possible entertainment facility under one roof, making Land of Legends ideal for families looking for an all-encompassing vacation destination. We also have facilities that ensure privacy including an exclusive park for women, the first such park in the world.”