Hard Rock International (HRI) one of the most globally recognized companies, revealed on Monday details regarding, what the company is calling, Hard Rock Entertainment World, which is anticipated to be one of Europe’s largest resort destinations.
The proposed integrated resort project will consist of a unique mix of hotels and convention areas, with shopping, world-class entertainment, and dining. The project’s maximum capacity is 745,000 square meters including all of the various uses and is to be located in the Vila-seca and Salou (Tarragona) areas in Spain, which have been designated as the Center for Recreation and Tourism (CRT) by the Catalan government.
What is estimated to be a global investment of €2,000 million includes the infrastructure costs as well as the cost of the land and is to be developed in phases, according to the news release.
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tarragona integrated resort will headline Phase 1. Also to be included in the Hard Rock integrated resort is a collaboration with PortAventura World theme park. The joint effort will see the development of what will be a family-oriented hotel with a maximum of 500 rooms and approximately 10,000 square meters and more than 75 shops of Value Retail, which specializes exclusively in the creation and operation of luxury outlet shopping destinations. The casino destination will be among Europe’s largest and boast 1,200 slot machines and 100 gaming tables. Guests of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tarragona will also be provided with a 6,000 square meter pool and pool deck.
Hard Rock Entertainment World is expected to bring with it thousands of new jobs and substantial foreign direct investments. The minimum investment of Phase one is expected to exceed €600 million and is estimated to create upwards of 11,500 indirect construction and ongoing jobs. The economic impact to the region is expected to be more than €1.3 billion.
HRI Chairman and CEO, Jim Allen, said, “We’re honored to work with the Catalan government on the creation of Hard Rock Entertainment World and look forward to bringing first-class entertainment and hospitality experiences to the region.”
In keeping with the brand, Hard Rock Entertainment World’s concert capacity will exceed 15,000 and a Hard Rock Live performance venue will host both international and regional acts and shows. Also included is a world famous Hard Rock Café, with an accompanying Rock Shop, which will feature authentic brand merchandise.
After HRI’s former joint venture partner Melco International Development Limited pulled out and Malaysian operator Genting‘s rival bid was withdrawn prior to the submission deadline on June 30, HRI found itself the sole remaining bidder for a casino license in Spain’s Catalan region.
HRI has venues in 75 countries, including 176 cafes, 24 hotels, and 11 casinos. Among them are the company’s two most successful Hotel and Casino properties Hollywood and Tampa, Florida. Both of the properties in Florida are owned and operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, HRI’s parent company.