Next Step Taken for Future Plopsa Water Park in Germany
(v.l.n.r.): Gemeindewerke Haßloch-GF Udo Engel, Plopsa-Direktor Deutschland Bernd Beitz, Thomas Götz (Beigeordneter), Plopsa-Chef Carl Lenaerts, Haßlochs Bürgermeister Tobias Meyer und Notar Benno Sefrin.
© Photo: Holiday Park
(eap) The Belgian Plopsa Group is planning to build its own year-round water park modelled on the existing Plopsaqua pools in Belgium near the Holiday Park it manages in Hassloch. An important next step in realizing this plans was taken last Friday with the establishment of two new companies, which will shortly conclude the project framework agreement with the Hassloch municipal utilities, an entity that is managing the existing Badepark. This is to be permanently closed and dismantled at the end of this year, providing the space for the new development. In addition to an ownership company, Plopsaqua Haßloch GmbH was founded as the operating company for the future new pool complex. Plopsa will also fully finance the planning and construction costs for the new water park (approx. 40 million euros). A themed adventure pool with water slides and attractions as well as an associated building complex for school and club swimming sports, including a multifunctional pool, are to be created – the existing Plopsaqua water parks in De Panne and Hannut-Landen have a similar structure.
“By establishing these new companies, we are laying the foundations for an innovative leisure and recreation centre that will benefit both residents and visitors in the region,” explained Hassloch’s Mayor Tobias Meyer.
Carl Lenaerts, Managing Director of Plopsa Group, emphasised: “We are delighted that we can bring our concept for a modern and highly attractive water park, which has already proved successful at other locations, to Hassloch. This is an important step in the development of Holiday Park Germany and the entire Plopsa Group.”
The existing municipal pool complex, which is still in operation, will be closed at the end of this year in order to begin dismantling work. The costs for this will be borne by the municipal utilities. Planning permission for the construction of the new pool is to be obtained in the coming months and work is then scheduled to begin in September 2025. With an estimated construction period of two years, the opening date for the new Plopsa water park, the operation of which the city of Hassloch will benefit with an annual operating subsidy of max. 1.3 million euros, is expected for fall 2027.
“We are confident that the new water park will create outstanding added value for the citizens of Hassloch and a great offer for the public in the entire region and beyond. The new pool will be a centre of attraction for families, sports swimmers and those seeking relaxation, and we will create numerous new jobs in here. We are looking forward to working together with the city and the municipal utilities,” said Bernd Beitz, Director Germany at Plopsa. This investment at the Hassloch site is part of a master plan totalling 80 million euros, which also includes various novelties for the Holiday Park. Just a few weeks ago, the construction of a new family roller coaster was announced, which is due to open next summer.
A few days ago, Plopsa also made significant progress in the planned construction of another water park in Mechelen: After a lengthy review and examination phase, the environmental permit has been granted for the site there, bringing the third Plopsaqua park in Belgium a great deal closer to construction. ■
