Harry Potter author gives go-ahead for theme park

Harry Potter author JK Rowling has given the go-ahead for a theme park dedicated to the schoolboy wizard.

The park, expected to open in Orlando in 2009, will feature scenes from the best-selling books, including Hogwarts school and the village of Hogsmeade.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will offer fans a “one of a kind” opportunity to experience the environment of their favourite character, bosses behind the project said.

The park is a joint venture between Warner Bros Entertainment – producers of the Harry Potter films – and Universal Orlando Resort.

It will be located in Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park.

Rowling said: “The plans I’ve seen look incredibly exciting, and I don’t think fans of the books or films will be disappointed.”

Barry Meyer, chairman and CEO of Warner Bros Entertainment, said: “Over the years we’ve received thousands of letters from fans around the world wishing they could visit Hogwarts and the wonderful locations described in each of J.K Rowling’s beloved stories.

“Working with Universal Orlando Resort, we are confident that we’ll be able to provide Harry Potter fans with an incredible experience that upholds the richness of J.K Rowling’s books and delivers on the authentic detail portrayed in our films.”

Academy Award-winning production designer Stuart Craig, who has worked on all the Harry Potter films, will help design the park.

He said: “Our primary goal is to make sure this experience is an authentic extension of Harry Potter’s world as it is portrayed in the books and films.”

The Harry Potter phenomenon has seen more than 325 million books sold across the globe.

Fans are eagerly awaiting the seventh and final instalment in the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, which will hit shops on July 21.