Cape Holland
The Cape Holland theme park was introduced as a promising initiative to revitalize Rijkswerf Willemsoord in Den Helder and transform the Old Rijkswerf into an edutainment center with the Nautical History of the Netherlands as central theme.
The Highlight of Cape Holland Nautical Park was a replica of VOC ship, the Prins Willem, that was purchased from Holland Village in Japan and transported to Den Helder.
PARKPROFS SERVICES
FOR CAPE HOLLAND
2003 – 2004
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
ParkProfs, known then as ID&Consult Company, was responsible for the interior and exterior decoration of the ship based on historical details. We crafted storytelling elements about the VOC’s turbulent past and set up the Prins Willem as a museum exhibition designed to captivate both children and adults.
ParkProfs led the concept development process, merging historical facts with intriguing details about life on a 17th-century ship. This blend, presented in the themed and entertaining setting of Cape Holland, achieved great success.
Cape Holland was ParkProfs’ first edutainment project, and later many more followed.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
ParkProfs managed the project for the decorative furnishings of not only the VOC ship Prins Willem, but also of the entire Cape Holland Attraction Park. This included the indoor and outdoor kids’ playgrounds, the walk-through museum showcasing the VOC ship construction, the storehouses at the quay, and the F&B outlets.
ParkProfs developed detailed budgets and timelines for each project area, provided guidance and direction to the construction teams, and managed the implementation of all aspects of decorative restoration and construction.
THEMING
To ensure the theming, interior design, and decoration of the Prins Willem were historically accurate, the ParkProfs team extensively researched VOC history and life aboard a VOC ship in the 17th century. As a result, many intriguing details about the daily life of the crew were incorporated into the theming. Consider, for example the duties on board, the daily rum rations, the type of food, the punishments, watchkeeping, clothing, toilet facilities, and much more.
ParkProfs was responsible for the design, procurement, and implementation of the theming both on board the Prins Willem and throughout significant portions of the Nautical Attraction Park Cape Holland.
SAD ENDING
In 2009, a fierce fire destroyed the replica of the VOC ship Prins Willem in Den Helder. The blaze was most likely caused by an electrical short circuit in the coffee café located in the Hold.
The destruction of the Prins Willem led to the closure of the Cape Holland theme park.