Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.
Inspired by the man-made Palm Islands which reach into the azure seas off the coast of Dubai, the mayor of Belgium’s upmarket coastal town of Knokke has proposed creating a flashy resort with hotel and golf course on an artificial doughnut-shaped land mass in the North Sea.
While the flat landscapes and low grey clouds of the Flemish coastline are a far-cry from the sunny skies and white sands of Dubai, Mayor Leopold Lippens thinks the construction of hotels, a marina and other sporting facilities out at sea linked to the mainland by a bridge will be a “win win” situation for everyone, Le Soir newspaper reported.
Proposals to create an island a few miles off the Belgian coast were first floated by Belgium’s North Sea minister, Johan Vande Lanotte, earlier this year. Its main purpose would be to harness the power of the sea and wind to provide another source of renewable energy. Reports in the Belgian media suggested Mayor Lippens was not keen on his municipality hosting the potential eyesore without getting something in return, hence his suggestion to create a Dubai-style man-made resort on the island. There were also concerns about who would pay for it.
A spokesperson for Mr Vande Lanotte said the mayor’s suggestions would be taken on board, but there were no plans at present for floating resort. “We welcome any creative and enthusiastic ideas concerning the island,” he was quoted as saying by Flanders News. “However, at the moment there are no plans for a bridge to the island or hotels on the south shore.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments