News at 9: Asia’s largest bird park to close, Europe to get new Legoland theme park in Belgium and more

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News at 9: Asia's largest bird park to close, Europe to get new Legoland theme park in Belgium and more

One of Asia’s largest bird park will cease operations and shut its doors after more than 50 years, Europe’s fifth Legoland theme park, is to be built in Belgium and more in top stories of the day.

Asia’s largest bird park to close

Jurong Bird Park, one of Singapore’s oldest and most iconic attractions, has announced that it will cease operations and shut its doors after more than 50 years.

However, there is some good news. The world-famous park — home to some 3,500 birds including parrots, flamingos, penguins and eagles will join the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, as well as a new luxury Banyan Tree resort, to form an eco-tourism hub in northern Singapore. Jurong Bird Park’s last day of operations at its current location will be January 3, 2023, 52 years to the day since opening in 1971. The upcoming Mandai eco hub is slated to open in 2023.

Must Read: 72 Hours In Singapore | Travel and Food Guide

Europe to get new Legoland theme park in Belgium

Europe’s fifth Legoland theme park, is to be built in Belgium. Four parks already stand in Denmark, Germany, Italy and the UK. The 70-hectare park is expected to open in 2027 and will be bigger than the 61-hectare resort in Windsor, just outside London, if the plan encounters no blocks. In Charleroi, a further 20 hectares are being set aside for any future extensions or developments. The project is expected to cost about €400m and is likely to have an on-site hotel.

Legoland Billund, in Denmark, was the first to open in 1968. Legoland Windsor followed in 1996, Legoland Günzburg in Germany in 2002, and Legoland Water Park in Gardaland, Italy, in 2021. In the US, Legoland Florida has been open since 2011 and another park opened last year in New York.

Qantas passengers can now pay AU$30 to leave the next seat empty

Qantas is now offering passengers on its domestic routes the option to block the seat next to them, leaving it empty for the duration of the flight. The added “Neighbour free” perk costs from AU$30 (£18) on the shortest routes, and the airline says it will offer limited availability on each flight. Customers will be sent an email 48 hours before their flight offering the option if it is available, and must pay to book it at that stage.

“Neighbour Free cannot be guaranteed as seats may need to be changed for operational, safety or security reasons, even after boarding the aircraft,” says Qantas. If the seat cannot be kept free, the passenger will be refunded, the airline confirms.

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