Océade could stay open for another two years

Océade water park near the Atomium could be granted a two-year reprieve and stay open beyond the announced closure date of 8 January, it has emerged.

Management at the popular attraction have reportedly suspended their redundancy negotiations with staff. The 67 workers had been told last month that Océade would close in the new year to make way for a massive new shopping and leisure complex at Heysel, called Neo.

Océade director Thierry Meeùs said negotiations with the City of Brussels had resumed but said nothing was confirmed at this stage. According to investigative news magazine Medor, the second part of the redundancy talks has been put on hold until the park's future becomes clearer.

Océade, which attracted 250,000 visitors last year, had originally been told it had to leave Heysel in summer 2013, but received a stay of execution until this year while discussions continued on the Neo complex, which has still yet to receive any planning permission.

The park's future has been uncertain for about a decade, since the plans for a new complex first emerged.