Residents of the Heidelust campsite in Molenschot unexpectedly received the message last Friday that their campsite had been sold to Capfun recreation company. It is unclear what will happen to the 200 people who now have a place at the campsite. Half of the caravans and houses on the campsite are permanently inhabited.
Annie bought her dream place a few weeks ago. “Before I bought the caravan, I asked if there were plans for the park, I was promised that the campsite would not be sold. That would absolutely not happen, I was guaranteed that. Otherwise I wouldn’t have done it. I put a lot of money into renovating the caravan, so I feel cheated,” says Annie.
Since 2019, the French recreation company Capfun has been buying up one campsite after another in the Netherlands and converting them into chalet parks with a play paradise. 22 campsites are now in French hands, but the appetite for takeovers seems far from being satisfied.
Neighbors across the street
The campsite across the road from Heidelust had to deal with it earlier. It used to be known as camping Linberg, now it says ‘Capfun Wondermolen’ on the entrance sign. At that campsite, the original residents had to make way for Capfun’s plans. Berry and Deborah Steegers had lived there for 25 years. But they have to go.
The letter that the residents of Heidelust received on Friday contains a telephone number where more information about current and future reservations could be obtained. But a phone call does not provide much more than the announcement that it is true that the park has been sold. The lady on the phone has no idea what it means for the current residents.
‘Drama’
“Nobody knows anything,” says Johan, who has been living at Heidelust for four years. “If I have to leave here, it will be a disaster.” Another neighbor adds: “It may also be the case that people who have to leave the campsite opposite will be moved here.”
“It is an unpleasant news that causes a lot of uncertainty just before Christmas,” says Sylvia. “I am here temporarily due to a divorce, if I have to leave here I will have to look for another temporary shelter. But no one knows what will happen, so we are all waiting for what will happen.”
