A NEW dinosaur-themed attraction is set to open later this year in an “exciting” move to breathe fresh life into Basildon’s Eastgate Shopping Centre.

Work has already begun for the new attraction - called Jurassica Live - to open at a former soft play site on the second floor of the shopping centre.

The attraction will see a Jurassic-themed mini-golf course alongside a “build-a-saurus” - similar to Build-a-Bear shops.

Joint owners, Luke Tyler, and Graham Owen, say this is something that is unlike anything else in the UK and will create a special experience for families.

Mr Tyler said: “My business partners and I like to create attractions that are different.

“This will be a very special for this building, as it brings a bit of fun to the shopping centre.

“It will be really exciting and will be an attraction first in the UK - nothing else is like this.

“There will be a mini-golf course, but Jurassic themed. There will also be a section for build-a-saurus which is a bit like build-a-bear, but all dinosaur related.

“It will also include a milkshake cafe too. It is a big attraction, and we can’t wait.”

The unit is at the top of the Eastgate Centre and looks over the shopping mall.

Bosses of the new attraction are hoping it will be open later this year - depending on how long the works take to complete.

Mr Tyler added: “We are hoping to be open in December, ready for Christmas.

“Work has already started at the site, it started two weeks ago, so it will be very tight, but we will be doing our best to open as soon as we can.

“With the mini-golf course, at the beginning, once you have paid, you go through to ‘an airport and onto aeroplane’ where you watch a two-minute intro video.

“As you come out, you come into the Jurassic, where families go through things like a ball pit - which is swamp - and take on the dinosaur themed golf course.

“It will all create an experience which children will love.

“We want it to be all about families, and family-orientated. It is really exciting.”