The Dutch Council of State has rejected appeals against the ‘World of Efteling 2030‘ development plan, giving the green light for Efteling‘s project to move forward.
“In 2015, in cooperation with the municipality of Loon op Zand, we started with the first sketches for the development plan ‘World of Efteling 2030’,” said Fons Jurgens, CEO of Efteling.
“Since then, there has been much and careful consultation with local residents, the municipality and nature organisations,” Jurgens added.
‘World of Efteling 2030’ gets green light
“The fact that the development plan is now definitive makes me very proud. For us, it really feels like the first giant step towards the future that we have in mind for the World of Efteling that we have in mind.”
According to Efteling, construction on the ‘World of Efteling 2030’ development will not start immediately. This is partly due to financial challenges as a result of COVID-19.
Efteling, which first opened in 1952, plans to start building work from 2022, beginning with the expansion on the eastern side of the existing theme park. The project will take place in three phases, completing in 2030.
Construction on project to start in 2022
Efteling plans to grow into an international destination, welcoming 5 million visitors annually. In order to attract new guests, the theme park is investing in attractions and expanding its accommodation offerings.
Efteling reopened on May 19 before launching its inclusive play forest Nest! on May 31. Nest! is a safe space for young guests and children with disabilities to play together. It features elements themed to Efteling’s roller coasters.
Prior to that, Efteling opened the largest charging park for electric cars in the Benelux in collaboration with Eneco eMobility. It is powered by 100 percent renewable energy from solar and wind power plants.
Images: Efteling
