Rowling green lights Potter park

Updated 10.07 Thu May 31 2007

Keywords: theme park, Harry Potter, JK Rowling

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

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will feature scenes from the best-selling books, including Hogwarts school and the village of Hogsmeade.

The next movie, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, is released on July 12

Bosses behind the project, which is expected to open in Orlando in 2009, said the park will offer fans a "one of a kind" opportunity to experience the environment of their favourite character.

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

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

The next movie, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, is released on July 12.

But fans waiting for the seventh and final instalment in the book series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, will have to wait until July 21 when it hits shops.