Waterloo, the Belgian battlefield where French emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte, suffered his final defeat in 1815, is preparing for a fresh fight – to attract more visitors with the help of private investment.

Agence France Presse (AFP) says authorities in charge of the site near Brussels – visited annually by some 400,000 battle buffs – have launched an appeal for private funding to convert Waterloo into a major tourist attraction.

The request has been issued to take charge of a concession which would turn Waterloo into a site fulfilling “the expectations of an international public.”

Planned changes include the addition of a visitor centre highlighting the key moments of the battle. Details: www.afp.fr