The project for a huge Las Vegas style entertainment centre in Spain was revealed last December to over 200 national and international journalists at a ceremony at Government House in Aragon. The Aragonese Government confirmed that a multiparty commission had been discreetly working on the project since January 2007. Investors from the UK, Australia, the US and France formed the group International Leisure Development (ILD) to develop the site over the next ten years.

Central government said that if the anticipated level of investment was maintained then it will undertake to provide necessary infrastructure. Construction on the project in the desert region of Los Monegros was due to start following the end of Zaragoza’s Expo 2008, which was held a month ago. It has now appears that not only is no commencement date in sight but also that the government committee set up to oversee the project has not met for over two months.

ILD met a major problem with their plans when they were unable to acquire land in the region at a reasonable price. Local landowners have not agreed to sell the 2,000 hectares needed for Gran Scala and it seems that the local authorities are beginning to distance themselves from the project although up to now have been most supportive. The promoters could try to move to another location but funding for the project could now be more difficult to find.

The €17 billion leisure city with 32 casinos, 70 hotels, theme parks, golf courses, race track, museums and 232 restaurants was destined to become the largest entertainment centre in the world and second only to Las Vegas for gaming. That vision would appear to be at present a long way from becoming a reality. (E-08.19.08)

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