Vakantiepark Sunparks Kempense Meren in Mol is undergoing an 88 million euro transformation to reopen by mid-2028 as a fully fledged Center Parcs resort, featuring upgraded cottages, a modernized Market Dome, and a revamped swimming paradise.
Sunparks Kempense Meren Becomes Center Parcs by 2028
- Sunparks Kempense Meren in Mol is undergoing an 88 million euro makeover to reopen as a Center Parcs resort by mid-2028.
- More than 70 cottages have already been sold to private investors within weeks of sales opening.
- Prospective buyers can visit project open days in Mol on October 16 and 17.
From Rauwse Meren to Center Parcs Kempense Meren
What originally emerged in 1994 from the sand of former sand-extraction pits as the Rauwse Meren is facing a substantial overhaul. The modest cottages that defined Sunparks for generations of families are scheduled for interior and exterior renovations, transforming them into luxury Center Parcs tiers including Comfort, Premium, and VIP categories. The core of the facility is also receiving investment, with the iconic Market Dome slated for a refreshed hospitality lineup and the swimming paradise set to gain new slides alongside a new roof.
Outdoor activities and the hotel will undergo comprehensive improvements as part of the project. Jan Schöningh of Center Parcs stated that the company holds the ambition to execute one of the most radical park renovations in the region, targeting a mid-2028 opening.
Financing the 88 Million Euro Overhaul Through Real Estate Sales
The ambitious project aims to close a turbulent chapter for the domain. Since its acquisition in 1997, the park has weathered multiple crises, including a temporary closure in 2009 due to disappointing performance and an incident in 2017 involving human traffickers misusing the cottages. For local residents in the Campine region, the domain holds deep cultural significance, particularly due to the annual influx during Graspop in neighboring Dessel, which gave rise to the ‘Metal Aquagym’ where festival-goers mosh to Rammstein with pool noodles.
To fund the 88 million euro renovation, Center Parcs opened sales for individual investors to purchase upgraded holiday homes. The offering has met with strong initial demand, with over 70 cottages securing new owners within weeks. Anne-Marie van Gils of Center Parcs Vastgoed noted that the sales start has exceeded expectations, serving as a vital mechanism to realize the planned park modernization. It marks the first time since 2017 that Belgian investors have had the opportunity to purchase real estate in a domestic Center Parcs park.
Investment Terms and Open Days in Mol
Purchasing a fully renovated cottage in this initial sales phase starts at 193,750 euros, excluding VAT. In exchange, buyers enter into a 15-year rental agreement with a management structure that includes a fixed indexed return starting at 5.20 percent plus index, or an alternative turnover-linked return. Center Parcs retains responsibility for the tourist operations and day-to-day management of the park following its reopening.
| Project Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Total Renovation Budget | 88 million euros |
| Target Reopening Date | Mid-2028 |
| Starting Price (Excl. VAT) | 193,750 euros |
| Rental Agreement Term | 15 years |
Individuals interested in viewing the future plans or exploring the real estate investment opportunities can attend open days scheduled for October 16 and 17 at the project location in Mol.
