Operator News
France – Marseille casino will be located in Euroméditerranée
By Phil - 30 January 2017
The Mayor of Marseille Jean-Claude Gaudin has confirmed that the future casino of Marseille will be built in Euroméditerranée sector, to meet the requirements of the casino groups that will bid for the licence.
Euroméditerranée is an urban renewal project underway in Marseille to create a business district in the district of La Joliette along the waterfront.
The Mayor was once opposed to the construction of a casino in his city, but changed his mind last September. After initially considering the Villa Méditerranée as a venue but ruling it due to a lack of space, Gérard Chenoz, the deputy mayor of Marseille, has now confirmed Euroméditerranée as the site.
Three potential sites at Euroméditerranée are being considered.
The casino could be located on the land located between the Terrasses du Port shopping mall and the Silo theater, on land which is the property of the port. Another scenario is for a site near the future Pathé cinemas whilst the final option is next to Docks and CMA-CGM Tower.
The introduction of a casino was rejected by successive mayors before Jean-Claude Gaudin decided it would be an extra tourist attraction for the area.
He said: “Things have changed. The time of Carbone and Spirito (figures of Marseilles mid twentieth century) is gone.”
Discussions are ongoing with both Lucien Barrière and Groupe Partouche expressing their interest. Five casinos are already installed in the Var and four in the Bouches-du-Rhône.
The redevelopment of the Euroméditerranée has already seen the renovation of dock yard space into offices, the renovation of the silo into a theater, the renovation of the Rue de la République and the construction of the CMA-CGM tower which stands 33 floors and 147m tall.
