US children's channel Nickelodeon has set out plans to develop its branded visitor attraction, "Nickelodeon Land", at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

Nickelodeon has signed a £10.3m licensing deal with Blackpool to develop a theme park across the 24,281 square metre Pleasure Beach featuring theme rides, shops, games and food outlets.

The rides will be based around popular Nickelodeon characters including 'Spongebob Squarepants' and 'Dora The Explorer'.

Construction will begin this autumn and the park is scheduled to open in April 2011.

Gerald Raines, senior director at Nickelodeon Theme Parks and Attractions, said this deal gives them a great opportunity to expand their global presence.

Amanda Thompson, managing director of Blackpool Pleasure Beach added that the park will combine the reputations of both Nickelodeon and Pleasure Beach to produce a wonderful attraction for visitors.

The broadcaster already has branded attractions at Nickelodeon Universe in Minneapolis's Mall of America, Nick Central at Dreamworld Australia, Nickland at Movie Park Germany, and the Universal Studios in Florida and California in the US.