Photos show workers assembling the 882-foot-long, approximately $145 million replica, called the New Titanic. It will eventually include recreations of the famous ship’s ballroom, theater, swimming pool and guest rooms based on Titanic blueprints obtained from around the world, CNN reports.

Plans also include a simulator that will let visitors virtually experience hitting an iceberg, as the original ship did before it famously sank more than 100 years ago. Executives from a Chinese investment firm hosted a ceremony Wednesday to mark the start of construction.

VCG via Getty Images Executives from a Chinese investment firm hosted a ceremony Wednesday to mark the start of construction.

VCG via Getty Images

VCG via Getty Images

VCG via Getty Images

Unsurprisingly, the decision to turn a tragedy into a tourism opportunity has proven a bit controversial. Hollywood production designer Curtis Schnell, who is consulting on the project, said it is being handled in a “very respectful way,” Reuters reports.

When finished next year, the replica will remain docked in a reservoir as part of a larger theme park that will also feature replicas of a Venetian church and European castles.