Sentower Park will be equestrian attraction of Western Europe
A modern equestrian centre, which is the future of the former recreation area 't Laer. The local authority in Opglabbeek is delighted with the investment planned by ES Management bvba, the management company of Erik Schildermans. It is planning a fifteen million euro investment in the renovation of the site on the Speeltuinstraat.
The Council of Mayor and Aldermen declared the proposal by ES Management for the sale of 't Laer administratively complete and admissible. "If this project can be realized, little Opglabbeek will be put back on the map ", says Mayor Benny Spreeuwers (CD&V). "Our town may soon become the equestrian attraction of Western Europe", is his ambitious claim. There is support from the province too. Both the Governor and the entire Provincial Executive will give the project promoters as much support as possible.
More than equestrian sport
The equestrian centre which has been dubbed 'Sentower Park' by the developers is more than just modern accommodation. ‘The unique concept consists of five business components: riding school, hotel and restaurant, sales, service and health", explains marketing manager Herwig Stas. ‘In the Sentower Park, there will be two multi-purpose halls as well as a restaurant, shop, outdoor tracks, paddocks, stables, a pub and a hotel. It offers professional and amateur riders, tourists or businesspeople the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities and events in a magnificent setting".
Equestrian sport will form the recurring theme, but does not cover the whole range. ‘A hotel with an excellent restaurant and hiking, biking and riding trails connect the park in a natural way with the surrounding environment."
Belgium a leading equestrian country
It is a great advantage that Belgium is a country with elite horses. ‘At the last world championships in Kentucky in the U.S., Belgian riders achieved great results; almost one in three horses taking part were bred in our country. If you count the neighbouring regions in the Netherlands and Germany, that figure rises to well over half. With Sentower Park, we want to offer national and international riders the opportunity to train and prepare for the many competitions in optimal conditions", says owner Erik Schildermans.
And amateur riders will not be left out. "ES Horses stables is moving from Elen in Dilsen-Stokkem to 't Laer", says the project promoter. The first phase will start during the summer of 2011.
Source: www.nieuwsblad.be/article/detail.aspx?articleid=91330H7D
