One of the largest indoor waterparks in the world is coming to Copenhagen after Høje-Taastup Municipality revealed plans for a 360,000sq m (3.9m sq ft) mega-leisure development in the Danish city.  Dubbed “Nordic Water Universe”, the development – which is four times the size of Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens – will be split into two parts, the first comprising a 11,700sq m (126,000sq ft) waterpark and amusement area, and the second a recreational nature park.  According to Michael Ziegler, mayor of Høje-Taastrup Municipality, Wyndham Hotel Group has been signed on for the project, which will also include areas dedicated to wellness and health and fitness.  According to the new plans, the development will be built over five phases, the first to be completed by 2020 to consist of 81,100sq m (873,000sq ft) of vacation homes, waterpark areas, amusement rides, shops, cafés, restaurants, a hotel and conference facilities. The final phase of development will be completed by 2028. 

The project is expected to create around 3,000 jobs during construction, generating more than 1,000 permanent jobs upon completion, generating DKK3bn (US$430.5m, €403.5m, £343m) in annual tourism revenue.  According to Nordic Corporate Finance, the group behind the ambitious project, the expansion of Copenhagen Airport, which will allow up to 40 million to fly to the city annually, will benefit the park as it develops.  “Unlike other resorts in Europe, our development strategy gives us the right size of attraction for many years of growth as guest numbers increase,” said Ulf Høyen, partner at Nordic.  “We will have the best overall concept, people can enjoy the waterpark but then the days after they can enjoy everything else we have to offer.”  Plans are expected to be approved in Q3 of this year, with development starting shortly after that. (2017/02/27)