Funding has been secured for a $1.5 billion tourism and theme park development in Jordan, featuring a world-first Star-Trek inspired attraction.

Construction work at the 74-hectare Red Sea Astrarium project in Aqaba is expected to start in early 2012.

The project - which will include four hotels and 17 entertainment developments – is being funded by investors from the United States and the Gulf region.

The Amman-based Rubicon Group, which makes animated films, said in May it would design and produce the entertainment elements of the resort.

The Star Trek attraction is being creatively developed by Paramount Recreation.

“At its core, Star Trek is about bringing worlds together and about a profound hope for the future,” said Liz Kalodner, executive vice president and general manager of CBS Consumer Products.

“We are proud to bring such a unique, interactive Star Trek property to this part of the world to be a part of the future of Jordan.”

The Star Trek-themed centre will deliver a variety of multi-sensory 23rd-century experiences, culminating with a state-of-the art space-flight adventure that takes real-time immersive entertainment experiences to bold new heights, said Paramount.

Architectural firm Callison has been engaged to work with Rubicon Group and its team, including Paramount Recreation and CBS, to master plan and create a world class destination resort.

“The Red Sea Astrarium project will be a destination showcase in an extraordinary part of Jordan,” said Randa Ayoubi, chief executive of Rubicon Group Holding.

“The opportunity to lead the design on such a remarkable project and to work with such world class partners as CBS and Paramount is a dream-come-true for the entire RGH family.

“We are honoured, elated, and proud to have our Themed Entertainment team in charge of moving this project forward.”