Rotterdam’s once-vibrant Rivoli amusement park is being dismantled at an unprecedented pace following the bankruptcy of its founder, entrepreneur Hennie van der Most, as new owners prepare to transform the site into a family-oriented recreation area. The demolition, which began this week, has left Van der Most facing the loss of his personal assets—including his home and land—while the park’s iconic attractions are systematically removed to make way for a new concept.

Van der Most, who has been described as the “spiritual father” of Rivoli, told local media that creditors had placed liens on his property and businesses, leaving him financially devastated. “They’ve taken my house, everything—now they want more money,” he said in a statement to Rijnmond. The rapid demolition—with half of the park’s structures already removed—has left the site transformed within days.

The new owners, led by Wim Beelen, have announced plans to replace Rivoli’s original attractions with a more accessible, nature-focused park called Spelen bij Beelen. The project marks a significant shift from Van der Most’s vision, which included bold attractions like a roller coaster and bumper cars. Under Beelen’s plan, these elements will be removed, while others—such as the ice rink (to be converted into a roller-skating rink) and the swing ship (anchored in concrete)—will be retained or repurposed.

The demolition process, overseen by construction supervisor Maurice Engel, has been swift, with large cranes loading attractions into containers for transport. Engel noted that discussions with Van der Most were ongoing even as the dismantling proceeded. “We’re talking, but half of the site is already gone,” Engel said, highlighting the urgency of the transition.

The Fall of Rivoli: From Vision to Bankruptcy

Van der Most’s financial troubles stem from years of investment in Rivoli, which opened with high expectations but struggled to attract sufficient visitors. The park’s colorful, high-energy design—including a floating UFO restaurant—became a local landmark, but operational challenges led to mounting debt. By May 2026, creditors had seized control, forcing the park’s closure and the subsequent demolition.

According to Dutch bankruptcy law, Van der Most’s assets—including his home, land, and approximately ten businesses—are now subject to liquidation to settle outstanding debts. The rapid dismantling of Rivoli’s attractions reflects the urgency of the transition, with new owners aiming to launch Spelen bij Beelen by the end of 2026. The project will prioritize family-friendly activities, such as wooden castles for children in Rotterdam-Zuid, while preserving some of the park’s historical elements.

Van der Most’s story has drawn media attention, including a documentary titled Pretpark Hennie, which premiered at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) in January 2026. The film, directed by Max Ploeg, explores the entrepreneur’s rise and fall, offering a behind-the-scenes look at Rivoli’s challenges. The documentary will air on TV Rijnmond on Thursday, May 14, at 17:00.

A New Era for Rotterdam’s Recreation

The transformation of Rivoli into Spelen bij Beelen represents a broader trend in Dutch urban development, where entertainment spaces are increasingly designed to serve community needs. While Van der Most’s original vision emphasized thrill rides and vibrant aesthetics, Beelen’s approach focuses on accessibility and sustainability. The new park will feature:

• A large Ferris wheel, modeled after London’s London Eye, expected to be completed within a year.
• Wooden play structures for young children.
• Repurposed attractions, such as the ice rink converted to a roller-skating rink.
• Natural play areas integrated into the landscape.

The demolition process has raised questions about the fate of Rivoli’s most iconic elements. The UFO restaurant, once the park’s centerpiece, is being fully dismantled, while the swing ship—embedded in concrete—will remain. Other attractions, such as the bumper cars and roller coaster, are being removed entirely to make space for the new design.

Legal and Financial Implications

Van der Most’s bankruptcy filing has triggered a cascade of legal actions, with creditors prioritizing the recovery of outstanding debts. The seizure of his personal assets—including his home and businesses—reflects the severity of his financial situation. Legal experts suggest that the case may serve as a cautionary tale for Dutch entrepreneurs, highlighting the risks of overleveraging in the entertainment sector.

While the demolition of Rivoli is nearly complete, the transition to Spelen bij Beelen is still underway. Construction crews are working around the clock to meet the end-of-year opening deadline, with Beelen emphasizing the importance of community engagement in the park’s design. “This isn’t just about replacing Rivoli—it’s about creating a space that truly serves Rotterdam’s families,” Beelen stated in a recent interview.

What Happens Next?

The next critical checkpoint for the project is the official launch of Spelen bij Beelen, scheduled for late 2026. Construction updates will be shared through the city’s official channels, and community feedback sessions are expected to begin in the coming weeks. For those interested in tracking the project’s progress, the following resources are available:

• City of Rotterdam’s official website for updates on urban development projects.
• Rijnmond’s news coverage for ongoing reports on the demolition and transformation.
• International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) for screenings of Pretpark Hennie and related documentaries.

As the demolition of Rivoli continues, the story of Hennie van der Most serves as a reminder of the volatile nature of the entertainment industry. While the park’s physical structures are being dismantled, the legacy of its founder—and the lessons of his financial struggles—will endure.

Key Takeaways

• Bankruptcy and Asset Seizure: Hennie van der Most’s personal assets, including his home and businesses, have been seized to settle debts following Rivoli’s closure.
• Rapid Demolition: Half of Rivoli’s attractions have been removed in just days, with the site being transformed for a new family-focused park.
• New Vision: Spelen bij Beelen will replace Rivoli with nature-based activities, wooden play structures, and repurposed attractions.
• Legal Process: Creditors are prioritizing debt recovery, with Van der Most’s financial future uncertain.
• Community Impact: The project aims to serve Rotterdam’s families, particularly those in Rotterdam-Zuid.

For readers with additional questions about the demolition process, Rivoli’s history, or the future of Spelen bij Beelen, we encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments below. Stay tuned for further updates as the project progresses.