The decision is far from being made. “Far from it”, alderman Klaas de Vries clarifies on behalf of the municipality of Meppel. But the municipality is interested in the arrival of a theme park.
It is currently the most realistic, says De Vries. “We still have a lot to do. But this is a direction of feeling that we are going on.”
An initiator, who has not yet been announced, has the idea to realize a theme park of 60 hectares in Meppel. It will not compete with Efteling or Walibi, but the park must focus on the history of Drenthe. This will be done through shows and performances. The focus is not on attractions.
Several options have been and are being investigated for the location. One of them is the theme park. Other possibilities are agriculture, business, nature and the arrival of windmills. De Vries says that the option of the theme park is number one for the municipality.
“Societally and economically, this theme park can bring us more than an industrial estate,” De Vries responds. It is expected that this will create more jobs than a business park. In addition, according to the alderman, it offers opportunities to put Meppel on the map for recreation.
The province also welcomes the arrival of a theme park. The municipality is working with the province to investigate its feasibility.
A preliminary environmental study shows that the arrival of the park fits in with the current nitrogen rules. It would not lead to additional nitrogen emissions in nearby Natura 2000 areas. This is the case if an industrial estate is chosen for the area.
It is clear, however, that something needs to be done about the accessibility of the area when the theme park is built. The area is located along the A32 and the provincial road to Havelte and can be reached via a roundabout at the Pillar Bridge. This roundabout must be enlarged or converted to handle future traffic flows. A new entrance and exit to the highway may be required.
Noise nuisance is not expected, but there is a small chance of odor nuisance. This may come from the possible use of animals. A petting zoo is given as an example.
All other options for the area remain open. Still, the arrival of windmills seems to be on the decline. One idea was to build six windmills of 200 meters. Then the municipality would immediately comply with the task for the regional energy strategy. Research shows that this is not the case. Two windmills seem feasible and just maybe three. Four are already called unlikely.
The intended location where it should be is an area of 375 hectares, which is now largely used as an agricultural area. The theme park will probably be 60 hectares, of which 10 to 20 percent will be built on. For comparison: Wildlands in Emmen is 24 hectares. “Financially, this can be the most favorable situation for us,” concludes Klaas de Vries.