Super-casino complex could be built in Spain's Aragon
Super-casino complex could be built in Spain's Aragon
A British company is planning to build a casino complex in Spain's Aragon region. International Leisure Development (ILD) hopes to construct a centre to rival Las Vegas near Los Monegros desert.
The Gran Scala project will transform the face of
holidays in Aragon, says The Guardian. If it goes ahead, the scheme will cover 11 square miles and create a city the size of
Bath with 18 theme parks and 32 casinos.
ILD hopes that
Gran Scala would welcome 15 million visitors per year and create employment for 65,000 workers. Local politicians are backing the scheme and most residents of the area are said to be happy with the plans. "All you can do there now is sow cereal crops and pray for rain," said Angel Torres, mayor of local village Ontiñena. "Now people see a future for their children and grandchildren." Another resident, a local bar owner, said that the area was "depressing" and needed new blood.
However, there are others that object to the plans and refuse to sell ILD their land. Opponents say they would be losing a way of life and are worried about the
social impact of the casinos and theme parks on the area.
IF ILD's plans work out, the first phase of Gran Scala will be operational by 2012. The developer's Jamie Riera told the paper: "Most visitors should come from Europe. It will be easy to get here for a weekend."
Currently, Aragon's
gambling laws permit just one casino per province, but politicians have pledged to scrap this to allow the 32 casinos. There is also speculation that the local infrastructure will be improved, with a new station on the nearby
Madrid to
Barcelona high speed rail line. A road linking to a nearby motorway could also be constructed.
Riera is aware of the opposition that ILD could face but assured critics that the scheme would be built responsibly. "We know a project like this is going to create
controversy. Gran Scala is going to be totally committed to the environment and sustainability. It will become a model. The risks are high, the path is long and there will be problems to overcome along the way" he said.
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