Hard Rock Cafe International Inc. has confirmed its partnership with a group of theme park planners and local investors who intend to develop a theme park at Fantasy Harbour.

Hard Rock's vice president of marketing, Chris Tomasso, said Friday the company has a licensing agreement with FHTP LLC to explore the project.

"All the elements that came with it - the land, the partners - made it very appealing," Tomasso said.

The theme park planners met Tuesday at Fantasy Harbour to reveal conceptual plans for the park, which would cost an estimated $200 million and could employ as many as 3,000 full- and part-time workers.

At that time, Tomasso said he was unable to discuss Hard Rock's involvement because the company was in a "quiet period" before its parent, The Rank Group in London, releases quarterly earnings in early September.

"We needed clarification on whether or not we could confirm it, and I didn't have it in time," Tomasso said. "I had to go the safe route."

Jon Binkowski, an Orlando-based entertainment producer and chairman of FHTP LLC, said he was glad Hard Rock's commitment has been made clear.

"We've worked really well together," Binkowski said.

Tomasso said the licensing agreement at this point does not involve a financial investment by Hard Rock, which operates Hard Rock Cafe at Broadway at the Beach.

Funding for the theme park is pending with several banks, Binkowski said.

The theme park would extend Hard Rock's brand name, currently found on cafes, hotels and casinos.

"We see it as a viable brand expansion opportunity for us," Tomasso said. "We see it as having the potential to grow beyond one city."

The Horry County Planning Commission on Wednesday gave unanimous approval for the rezoning of 142 acres to allow for the theme park, which would be situated around a lake behind Waccamaw Factory Shoppes.

Plans call for a rock 'n' roll-themed park with a steel loop roller coaster, dramatic lighting and landscaping and a 15,000-seat outdoor concert venue.

Binkowski said the theme park would benefit from more than just the Hard Rock name.

"I think they'll be very influential," he said. "They have excellent culinary training and an award-winning human resources program. I think those are all things the park will be able to tap into. If we can keep our employees as loyal and motivated as theirs are, we'll be the best park in the world."

Contact KATHLEEN VEREEN DAYTON at 626-0317 or kdayton@thesunnews.com.