Liseberg's water world Oceana will be rebuilt after the fire in February, following a decision by Liseberg's board. The park is expected to be completed in 2026.
There was no other choice. It became clear that there was no alternative to not rebuilding Oceana, says Liseberg's CEO Andreas Andersen to TT.
The board's decision marks the starting point for the work of rebuilding the water park, which was severely damaged by a comprehensive fire in February.
It feels completely clear. It's an important step in a long and complicated process. But it's a step forward, says Andersen.
The Same Adventure Pool
The new water park will be largely the same adventure pool as before the fire, but with some adjustments. Among other things, they will change the technology for the larger water attractions. The work is expected to continue until 2026.
We have a plan that says about two years. But it can be both shorter or longer. It depends on how many work tasks we can do in parallel.
The decision to rebuild was ultimately self-evident. It would cost more in the long run not to build up Oceana.
The fire caused a significant economic setback, not just for Liseberg but for Gothenburg as a destination. Oceana was planned to have around 500,000 visitors each year and would give the destination around 200,000 extra hotel nights. So it's clear that it has led to major consequences not just for us.
According to Göteborgs-Posten, the cost of the rebuilding is estimated to be around 700 million kronor and may require additional financing from the municipal council.
Major Fire
It was on February 12 that a major fire broke out during the construction of Oceana, which was intended to open in the summer of 2024. The course of events was extremely rapid, and one person died in the fire.
Several investigations into the cause of the fire are still ongoing. The police and the Accident Investigation Board's investigations are expected to be completed in the spring of 2025.
But there's nothing on site that prevents us from starting the work, says Andreas Andersen.
At the same time, Liseberg announces that the classic ride Flumeride will remain for two years longer than planned. The rebuilding of Oceana is eating up a lot of money, and therefore other new projects, such as Flumeride's successor, will be postponed, according to P4 Göteborg.