Total $2.3 billion investment
U.S.-based casino operator Hard Rock International has gotten the thumbs-up to start a casino project in Vila-Seca and Salou in the Catalan region of Spain, about 60 miles from Barcelona. The region made headlines last year with its win its independence from the government of Spain.
The Hard Rock Entertainment World complex will include two hotels with more than 1,000 rooms, a shopping district, entertainment facilities and a 10,000-square-meter (107,600 square-foot) casino. According to CDC Gaming Reports, the casino could have up to 1,200 slot machines and 100 table games, making it one of the largest casinos in Europe. The company is reportedly planning to invest as much as €2 billion (US$2.3 billion) in the development.
According to a statement from the company, Phase I of the project will represent an investment of about €700 million (US$818 million) and create more than 11,500 direct and indirect construction and ongoing jobs, “significant foreign direct investments,” and an economic benefit to the region of more than €1.3 billion (US$1.5 billion). The first phase will be “headlined by the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tarragona integrated resort,” along with two hotels; a retail shopping district; a 6,000-square-meter (64,500-square-foot) swimming pool and a 15,000-seat theatre. The full project is expected to be complete within five years.
The company will also collaborate with PortAventura to develop “a family-oriented hotel” of up to 500 rooms, and Value Retail on a luxury tourism shopping destination with more than 75 shops.
Jim Allen, chairman and CEO of Hard Rock International said the company is happy to be “bringing first-class entertainment and hospitality experiences to the region.”
“For years, some of the world’s largest gaming companies have pursued the opportunity to create an integrated resort in Europe, and we are proud that Hard Rock was selected for the opportunity.”
Hard Rock originally teamed with Melco International Development on a joint bid for the Catalan project, but Melco exited the project to focus on its casino plans in the Greek Republic of Cyprus.
CalvinAyre.com reports that Hard Rock must submit a €10 million (US$11.7 million) deposit and secure the necessary building permits, complete Phase I by 2021, and be at full build by 2023.
According to the World Casino Directory, Hard Rock Entertainment World will be “one of the most expensive undertakings of its kind ever seen in Europe.”
