Embera’s clarity brings peace of mind to Familiepark Drievliet

Drievliet has been a household name in The Hague and the surrounding area since 1937. What started with a tea house, a swing and a seesaw grew into a family park with around 450,000 visitors a year. Throughout that time, the business was owned by the Faaij family. With the acquisition in 2024 by Looping Group – owner of 24 regional amusement parks in Europe – a new chapter began. “The love and passion remain; we’re adding a modern touch,” says Coen.

Lessons from Madurodam

During an introductory meeting with the management of Madurodam, where Embera also handles project management, Coen heard how Embera brought clarity to similar projects. Coen: “That’s exactly what I was looking for: a partner who gives me clear information and takes work off my hands. Not just in execution, but at a strategic level too.”

According to Coen, what sets Embera apart is the combination of in-depth expertise and a sharp eye for process. Embera arranges permits, brings in specialised suppliers and monitors budget, schedule and quality.

The right people in the right place

Embera is working on several projects at the park, including the new attraction ‘Stoomcycloon’. It will take the place of the swing ride. The surrounding area is getting an upgrade too. The swing ride will be fully renovated, given a new theme and a prominent spot at the park entrance. The entrance building is being renewed and will also get a new theme. Both the entrance building and the swing ride will become part of the themed area ‘Pelikaan Pier’.

Many specialists work on these projects, from electricians and concrete builders to paviors and carpenters. “They all have their own view of the project and come with well-meant advice. To be honest, they could tell me anything,” says Coen. “I don’t have enough technical knowledge for that. Embera does, and knows which advice should be followed.”

Embera also carries out independent research when in doubt, or to provide extra certainty. For example, on the advice to replace the outdated main switchboard. Research showed this was necessary. Embera immediately arranged two quotes. “With all that input, I had a strong case for our head office in Paris. Embera makes the decision-making process clear and explainable, so everyone understands the choice.”

Meeting the standard

Embera is more than just an executor. “Of course we want to meet Looping Group’s standards for safety and appearance. But that costs more money. Embera’s project managers made that clear to me right away, so I could make decisions. That’s not always the most fun choice, because it means cutting back somewhere else. But thanks to Embera, I do have all the information to make a well-balanced decision.”

That brings clarity not only for Coen himself, but also for his colleagues and Looping Group. “Looping Group is used to handling project management itself. But now that permits and processes are becoming increasingly complex, we can’t do without a specialised project management firm. If I had to ask this of my own people, it would take up too much of their time on top of their own work. Plus, they’d have to acquire completely new knowledge and skills.”

Realism leads to better choices

Because external project management is new to Looping Group, Coen had to work hard to show its added value to head office. “The start didn’t exactly make it easier,” he says with a smile. “Embera scrutinised our existing budget. The new cost estimate turned out higher than expected. That didn’t make things easier with Paris, but it was honest. That’s the Dutch way they’re not so used to in France: we don’t beat around the bush and we present the worst-case scenario. Then everyone knows where they stand.”

That transparency ultimately worked in the project’s favour: choices were sharpened, risks covered and the financial picture became increasingly favourable. “Embera brought realism. No surprises afterwards. That built trust, at our head office too.”

‘Hugely impressed’

Coen: “Beforehand, my impression was that Embera brings clarity. They live up to that. I’m hugely impressed by how well their budget and schedule match reality. That gives confidence in the entire process.”

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