Following a thorough evaluation, Plopsa has decided to permanently abandon plans for the Plopsaqua Mechelen water park. Legal uncertainty and a changed economic context underpin this decision. Plopsa is now focusing on ambitious new projects, including a new water park in Germany. Changing circumstances affect feasibility.
In 2017, plans for a new water park were announced. The water park included a 25-meter by 34-meter swimming pool with more than 15 lanes for (swimming) schools and clubs. This pool has a special 4-meter deep zone for divers and will be equipped with a large grandstand for water polo and other competitions. In addition, an extra 25-meter pool and instruction pool were provided for beginning swimmers. This offered a solution to the structural shortage of swimming water for schools and clubs.
Despite the great support that Plopsa has received from many stakeholders and experts during the permit process in the past seven years, the end of this process is not in sight and its outcome is uncertain. For example, a meadow near the planned site in Mechelen recently received the status of nature reserve. This is a positive development for the conservation of nature in the region, but at the same time it makes obtaining a definitive permit for Plopsa uncertain.
Rising costs and a changed economic context
Because the permit process has been dragging on for seven years, inflation and rising construction costs have put pressure on the original plans. What was a profitable model seven years ago, is no longer feasible in the current situation.
In addition, Sport Vlaanderen has announced that it will invest heavily in new (water) sports activities in Hofstade, just eleven kilometres from the planned site. We are pleased that Sport Vlaanderen continues to invest in water sports and recreation, but it means that Plopsa, partly because of this, has had to re-evaluate its plans.
“Sometimes we need to have the courage to make a decision and look further,” says Carl Lenaerts, CEO of Plopsa. “In the current context, it is wiser to focus our energy and resources on our other great projects and ambitions.”
Looking to the future
Plopsa remains ambitious and looks ahead with confidence. For example, construction of a new state-of-the-art water park in Germany will start soon and there are still many great investment plans on the agenda for the coming years. In addition, Plopsa will also celebrate the 2025th anniversary of Plopsaland De Panne in 25.
"We continue to invest in unique experiences for our visitors, both at home and abroad. We still have many ambitions and dreams that we absolutely want to realize in the coming years," concludes Lenaerts.
More information: www.plopsa.be/nl