A THEME park in Spain that closed its gates to visitors four years ago is being considered for reopening.
Tivoli World amusement park in Benalmádena on the Costa del Sol was named after the famous Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, and was built in 1972.
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Once the biggest theme park in the region, it was known for having rides such as Ferris wheels, The Castle of Terror, a free fall from 60metres, the Mysterious Ship and the Western village.
It also had a large open air auditorium which featured top national and international artists, as well as live performances such as flamenco dancing.
It is also five minutes walk from the nearby beach, and ended up attracting up to 35million guests throughout its opening.
But in 2020, during the Covid pandemic, the theme park was forced to shut.
It remained closed due to a large debt and the economic crisis, with just 27 rides remaining intact of the 85.
Four years later, its reopening will be debated in the Andalusian parliament.
It comes after a meeting last week between Benalmádena mayor Juan Antonio Lara and part of his government team with representatives of real estate group Tremón, owner of Tivoli.
On several occasions, the mayor pointed out there are several companies and investment funds interested in reopening the park.
He’s also expressed his desire for Tivoli World to be open before the end of 2027.
Talks of the plans has given hope to former workers, but wanting to see action, they’re starting to grow impatient.
On October 6, for the first time, a public protest has been called at the gates of the amusement park to demand its reopening.
Inmaculada Nieto, an Andalucía MP, met with union representatives of the theme park’s former staff and said: “Tivoli goes beyond the limits of Benalmádena and the province of Malaga, it is a strategic issue for tourism on the whole of the Costa del Sol and Andalucía.”
She added: “All the administrations are concerned with the reopening of Tivoli, including the Junta, so we demand that they sit at a table with the company and the representation of the staff to reach a solution and once again generate jobs and wealth.
“Tivoli belongs to the sentimental memory of several generations of people in Andalucía who, thanks to these facilities, was the first amusement park we had the chance to go to.
“This would be a profitable venture today. Legally there is no impediment to it being able to open its doors.”
Several weeks ago, a movement was created on social media called Nostalgicos de Tivoli, which has a virtual community of around 8,600 people.
The community has gathered a collection of signatures to bring to the Andalusian Parliament regarding the reopening of the park.
More than 750 people have signed the initiative.
The Danish Olsen family built Tivoli in Spain, which opened on May 20, 1972.
New theme park opening in Europe next year
Bommelwereld in Groenlo in the Netherlands is set to open in 2025.
Plans to open the theme park, which will be set in the grounds of a new castle called Bommelstein, were first announced in 2022.
The theme park is a collaboration between holiday park Marveld Recreatie and designers Jora Vision.
Based on characters from Dutch cartoonist Maarten Toonder’s books, the park will have 20 attractions.
One of the main rides will be the Bulder Baan family coaster, a 257 metre long roller coaster with speeds up to 45km/h.
There will also be a mini flume called Razende Rommel, reaching highs of four metres.
Other attractions include a mini jet ride called Daverend Draken Spektakel as well as a swing carousel and harbour-themed area.
Many dignitaries, including the civil governor of Malaga, the mayor of Benalmádena, and hotel owners attended its opening ceremony.
After its opening, the park had over 30 million visitors.
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