Abandoned theme park 'loved by Brits' could re-open after three years of neglect

13 November 2023 , 22:22

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Tivoli World theme park was once a bustling tourist hotspot with a Ferris wheel and other rides (Image: Getty Images)

A theme park loved by British holidaymakers may finally re-open after three years of contract disputes and bankruptcy kept it closed.

The famous Tivoli World theme park in Benalmadena, Costa Del Sol was forced to shut in 2020 as the Covid pandemic hit Spain. It tried to open again as restrictions began to lift but could only manage a two month stint before it closed its doors once more.

The resort had been popular with tourists from the UK for almost half a century but quickly became derelict during the period it was shut. Photos showed the formerly buzzing theme park with a rotting boat, plants growing over the signs and drained and dirty swimming pools.

Pictures of the once-loved theme park showed it looking badly neglected (Adam Callier)

Battles with staff amid an odd legal loophole which meant they were unable to seek employment without being paid by their current job saw them forced to still attend the site every day, reports the Daily Star. Their daily protests led to a legal battle before the site was shut down for good.

But that dark period could finally be behind Tivoli World with the news that a new investor might buy the struggling site. Deputy Mayor of Benalmadema, Presi Aguilera claimed a foreign investment fund is ‘very interested’ in buying the park and re-opening it, with talks ongoing between the town council, the mystery fund and current owners Grupo Tremón.

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Aguilera said: “There is a foreign investor who is very interested. That is why the Benalmadena council has got in touch with the owner, the Tremon real estate group, acting as a liaison between the two to see what we can do to facilitate the opening of the park. We have held many meetings to discover first-hand what the real problem is with regards to Tivoli. None of us want it to be used for anything other than an amusement park. This space must be non-residential, but it could have a hotel or be used for commercial activity, but it must be linked to the opening of the amusement park.”

Adam Cailler