A 44,000sq.ft family entertainment centre featuring a range of attractions is to be developed in Carlsbad in the US state of New Mexico.

The Carlsbad Department of Development has entered into an agreement to sell a portion of an open-air retail site known as Cascades at Carlsbad to Cascade Entertainment, which will develop the property to include the FEC, a hotel and a number of retail outlets.

The new facility, which will include five theatre auditoriums, 12 bowling lanes, a laser tag arena, an adult and children’s arcade, and a sports grill and restaurant, is expected to form the anchor attraction in the Cascades.

"I came to Carlsbad three years ago looking to build this project," said Henry Waters of Cascade Entertainment. "We have engaged an architect that specialises in the design of family entertainment centres.

“Our timeline is to have the plans completed and be under construction within 75 days, with a completion date of May 1, 2016. I am glad it's finally happening, and I'm happy for Carlsbad."