Legacy Entertainment, a leading theme park and resort design company, has announced that it has been appointed to design an integrated resort in Tashkent by Uzbekistan’s Tourism and Entertainment Group (TEG).
The development in Uzbekistan’s capital city will create the biggest integrated resort in Central Asia. The 28-hectare (69-acre) resort, estimated to cost over $250m, will include hotel, retail, and water park facilities. The first phase is set to open in 2027.
Celebrating Uzbekistan’s culture
The resort’s theme, The Grand Serai, is inspired by caravanserais on The Silk Road. It will celebrate Uzbekistan’s rich culture with creative reinterpretations of the country’s architecture, food, music, fashion, and more.
Its centrepiece will be a 20-hectare water park with more than 20 custom-designed rides, performances inspired by Uzbekistan’s stories and natural beauty, and a record-breaking element.
A representative from TEG says: “The architectural design of the park will be meticulously crafted to reflect Uzbekistan’s history and traditions, ensuring that every aspect of The Grand Serai resonates with the country’s cultural identity. Visitors can expect a journey through time as they traverse the park, encountering modern thrills intertwined with echoes of the past.”
TEG, part of Uzbekistan’s AKFA Group, chose Hollywood-based Legacy Entertainment for the project’s design following a worldwide search. The company’s portfolio includes many of the world’s leading theme parks and resorts, and its team for this project brings experience at Walt Disney Imagineering, Universal Studios and Cirque du Soleil.
Marcus King, chief projects officer and co-owner of Legacy Entertainment, says: “Our team thrives on creative challenges. The depth and diversity of Uzbekistan’s culture, both ancient and modern, is providing us with some of the most exciting inspiration our team has ever had to work from. As of this moment, no one has interpreted Uzbekistan’s culture through a theatrical or cinematic lens – so everything is on the table for our very experienced team to work with.”
TEG has revealed the themes of its two signature zones. The water park will feature the original brand “Azure,” which is inspired by the particular shade of blue found on the nation’s flag. “The Silk Road Shops,” the property’s flagship dining and retail offer, will highlight the significance of the nation as the central point of the Silk Road connecting Asia and Europe.
Further details about the resort will be announced soon.
Earlier this month, Legacy Entertainment announced its appointment as lead designer for Beijing Haichang Ocean Park, following an international tender.