Interview: Eric Lucas, future owner of Walygator, talks about new plans for the park
The Commercial Court of Metz announced this Wednesday, March 6, 2013, the sale of the park Walygator Maizières-lès-Metz Lorraine four contractors. A decision following the bankruptcy of the company led by the brothers Le Douarin.
Many questions remain unanswered about the future of the amusement park Moselle. Eric Lucas, one of the rescuers, we respond.
The famous alligator will he still relevant in a few months? Possibly not. The mystery remains. With the resumption of amusement park Walygator, many things will change, a real break from Eric Lucas, insurer Metz and soon one of the owners of the site.
The announcement came Wednesday, the park is entrusted to Eric Lucas, Jacqueline Lejeune, Deglin Franck and Francois Jerome Parent. Four professionals who are known in their respective careers and have combined their skills to put together a resume they submitted on February 20.
An offer that wowed the judges, and that bodes well for a certain number of significant changes. The purchase amount is not yet disclosed, but the amount to be invested by the four protagonists exceed whatever happens, the mere acquisition.
Future owners considering investing in two levels. At first, redevelop the park by reducing the usability thanks to green spaces, painting and rehabilitation of health.
"We want to welcome visitors to the park as we would welcome friends," adds Eric Lucas.
The rides will also spend with a reflection on those and keep those to replace. In short, the next season the park may well upset the eyes of its visitors.
If the four entrepreneurs wishing to open quickly, they are realistic, and considering the earlier start of the season on May 15.
"We can not hold a discourse break, that we are listening to past criticism and decide to open and work with as you. We leave the possibility open between May 15 and June 1, "says Metz insurer.
Eric Lucas also ensures that all existing jobs will be retained. Future owners also want to meet the team, they already know, from Thursday, March 7, to reassure later events.
Concerning the recent recruitment of seasonal day, Eric Lucas replied:
"Since his appointment was made by the team in place, we keep, we logically discuss the matter with them and use their work. '
Identity completely redesigned
Who said break, says new name and new look. It is envisaged that the future direction that the work entrusted to two communications agencies in the region. The new identity should be unveiled in April, in order to start a communication campaign on the park.
Generally, the four acolytes want to entrust all work outside local businesses, including companies that have suffered claims of the park in the past.
Partners, they work on their recovery project since November 2012. Liquidation of the park must be declared March 13, 2013. For the rest, a large yard awaits ...
The secret of the new identity, in any case, is well kept. Surprise in a month, at least if the file ends.
For the brothers Le Douarin does not seem to want to separate the park so easily. They told on Wednesday to our colleagues at France 3 Lorraine want to appeal the decision.
To this, Eric Lucas replied:
"I understand them, it is a right that is offered. Justice will do what it seems logical to do. '
Within a few days, the action plan should be communicated buyers more precisely.
