29 March 2023 , 10:25
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A major new Legoland theme park that would've been the biggest in Europe has been scrapped.
Last year Lego fans were thrilled to discover that a new version of the colourfully themed resort was being constructed just across the Channel in Belgium, near Charleroi Airport.
They have now been left in pieces after operating company Merlin Entertainments shelved the plans.
This week Wallonia's economy minister Willy Borus confirmed that the project has now been abandoned, and that Belgium will not be getting its own Legoland.
He told local media: "The Merlin group has just announced its decision not to commit to the construction of a new Legoland park in Belgium.
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The new park was due to open in 2027 (U. Baumgarten via Getty Images)“The group took this decision following a complete evaluation of its global activities.
"Its diagnosis resulted in a change in strategy to focus on consolidating existing – and under construction – infrastructure rather than expanding its operations.”
The new site was set to be built on a former industrial zone and was estimated to cost a whopping €400million (£345m).
It was earmarked to have on-site hotels like the UK version, and would have covered an enormous 70 hectares – which is the equivalent of about 98 football pitches.
The resort would've been the fifth Legoland in Europe (Getty Images)The UK Windsor park which is known and loved by Lego-lovers across the country is 61 hectares, by way of comparison.
The park was to be the fifth Legoland in Europe, after ones in the UK, Germany, Denmark and Italy.
Merlin said in a statement: "Merlin Entertainments has strategically decided to shift the focus to investments in our current Legoland Resorts, including the three parks planned to open in China in 2025."
If you fancy a trip to Legoland and are either in the UK or could get here, then you're in luck.
There are loads of minibreaks at the theme park available at the moment, including a mid-week park visit and hotel stay from £85 a person.