Meppel may have a theme park of 60 hectares. Just for comparison: the park will then be the size of 85 football fields. Wildlands in Emmen is 24 hectares.
It is not a competitor of a park like Walibi. The interpretation is sought in performances and shows about the cultural-historical values of Drenthe and the Netherlands. The park will not focus on attractions. Due to competition-sensitive and business economic reasons, the municipality of Meppel is currently unable to provide any further details about the park.
Together with the municipality, the province is investigating the arrival of the park. In any case, the municipality of Meppel is enthusiastic and has already commissioned an investigation into its location. The target is the southern part of North IV. This is a business park yet to be constructed along the A32, between Meppel, Ruinerwold and Havelte.
If the theme park comes about, it will be an alternative interpretation of the intended business park. The area has been designated as a future business park. energy landscape, recreation or nature area. Now it is still farmland. The farmers there are obliged to be the first to offer their land to the municipality when selling it. After that, the land may no longer be used for agriculture.
A previous study has shown that the park can have a ‘very positive’ effect on both the local and regional economy. ‘The park provides a lot of direct and indirect employment.’ It is not yet clear how many jobs it could create. In addition, it adds value to existing facilities and services.
“The arrival of the theme park thus contributes to innovation and strengthening of the regional function of Meppel and of the Drenthe tourism sector as a whole,” concludes the board of the municipality of Meppel. “The theme park also focuses on the link with opportunities for sustainability, nature, education and culture.”
GroenLinks has doubts about the plans. “The interpretation for the area is still completely open,” responds party chairman Anouk de Vlieg. The party already had reservations about changing the agricultural area for industry. “This would again lose part of the open landscape around the city. That will remain the case if a theme park is built.” The party sees the job. “That is of course welcome. Meppel has a beautiful environment that we like to share with visitors.”
The province would like to strengthen tourism in Drenthe. That is why the province is actively looking for an extra supplement for day and overnight recreation. This search now leads to this theme park, for which Meppel is in the picture as a location.
In the plans for the theme park, a large part of the 60 hectares will be arranged naturally. This is about ‘minimal construction’.
The plans were discussed last night in a closed meeting with the city council. An investigation by the province into the feasibility of the plans is almost ready. It should become clear halfway through next year whether the arrival of the park is feasible or not.
“I look forward to the results of this research”, Xander Topma responds on behalf of the SP. “It is a special interpretation of a piece of land that was intended as an industry.” The plan appeals to the SP because of the natural and cultural values it brings. “Compared to industry, there will be much more room for nature and landscape and we applaud that very much.”
GroenLinks is now also waiting for further plans and investigations. “We will be alert to sustainability and dealing with local residents.”