A £13 million scheme to create a "world's first" visitor attraction at Brighton Marina is taking shape.

The top-secret project will, it is claimed, be on a par with rides offered by major American theme parks.

Marina spokesman David Courtney said he could not reveal any details as he was bound by a confidentiality clause.

But it is understood the attraction will be interactive and based on a single theme.

It will be in the 22,000 sq ft ground floor of a development under construction between McDonald's and the bowling complex.

Builders have now handed over the structure so it can be fitted out.

London Clubs International is spending £5 million on a casino, which will employ about 150 people, with another £13 million being invested by a separate, unnamed company on the visitor attraction.

Both are expected to open in the late summer.

Mr Courtney said: "The visitor attraction will be the first of its kind in the world, with one very special theme. It is definitely a world first."

Work has also started on the foundations of The Waterfront, a £40 million leisure complex at the marina.

It is expected to open in June 2002 and will house bars, restaurants, shops and a 100-bed hotel.

Bosses estimate more than 1,000 jobs will be created in what will be the last major development at the site.