Bellewaerde has been given the environmental go-ahead by the regional administrative body of Flandre-Occidentale for the construction of its new indoor waterpark.
The licence has been granted with certain conditions attached including the planting of 63 trees. Bellewaerde is also required to solve issues around parking and accessibility.
The park’s parent company, Compagnie des Alpes, has already given the new attraction the green light. The project is the largest investment in Bellewaerde’s history. It is expected to cost 17 million euros and take around eighteen months to complete. Opening is scheduled for 2019.
Bellewaerde Aquapark is being billed as a complete waterpark for the whole family. The entire site will encompass 3000m² and will be located on the current carpark near the Meenseweg.
A lazy river will transport guests around Bellewaerde
A whole range of waterslides and aqua attractions are planned amid lush oasis-style greenery. The youngest visitors are also being catered for with a play zone and a kiddie pool especially designed for them. Other facilities include a lazy river which will transport visitors around the entire park. The journey will feature a cave and numerous water effects. An outdoor area is also planned where visitors can relax on warm summer days.
“Market research showed the potential to combine Bellewaerde with an indoor waterpark. The entire Bellewaerde team is very proud to realise this important project,” comments Stefaan Lemey, the park’s General Manager.
“This confirms that our shareholder, Compagnie Des Alpes, believes in our site and strategy. The waterpark will have an overall positive impact on Bellewaerde, but also on the employment opportunities since a minimum of 10 extra people will be recruited.”
For over a quarter of a century, Compagnie des Alpes has operated leisure parks across Europe and leading ski resorts in the French Alps. It is now applying its expertise to mountain resorts, leisure parks and indoor leisure projects with a strong local and regional identity.
Compagnie des Alpes operates eight theme parks in Europe including Parc Astérix and Futuroscope.