Necochea to Use Casino Proceeds to Improve Public Lighting
Argentina.- 25 August 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com The Municipality of Necochea has decided how to allocate the first proceeds received from the auction of the Casino Complex.
70% of the initial ARS853.6 million will be invested in a comprehensive programme to expand and improve public lighting across different areas of Necochea and Quequén.
Investment in Urban Infrastructure
The initiative includes extending the electricity network into peripheral areas and upgrading existing lighting infrastructure.
The municipality intends to spread the investment across a larger number of neighbourhoods and generate a broader impact for local residents.
Improved lighting is also expected to support road and public safety.
ARS853.6 Million in Initial Proceeds
The first payment generated by the transaction totals ARS853.6 million, equivalent to approximately USD570,000.
The municipality has allocated 70% of that amount to lighting-related public works.
The Public Works Department is now preparing tender documents and determining which areas will receive the new infrastructure.
Road Paving Option Rejected
One alternative under consideration was to use the funds for road paving.
The proposal had been raised by opposition representatives in the local council.
However, the municipal government concluded that the available resources would have produced only limited coverage.
Only Six to Eight Blocks Could Have Been Paved
Official estimates put the current cost of paving one block at between ARS100 million and ARS120 million.
That figure does not include additional infrastructure such as stormwater drainage.
With the available funds, the municipality estimated that only six to eight blocks could have been completed.
It therefore prioritised an investment capable of reaching a larger number of neighbourhoods.
Statements
Adrián Furno, Secretary of Planning, Public Works and Services, said public lighting was selected because it offered the possibility of delivering a wider impact for local residents.
He also highlighted the contribution improved lighting could make to road and community safety.
Casino Complex Auction
Necochea’s Casino Complex was auctioned in June 2026 for ARS4.878 billion, equivalent at the time to approximately USD3.4 million.
The winning bidder was businessman Oscar Merlo, owner of A Toda Vela Mar S.A.
The sale followed several unsuccessful auction attempts and prolonged political debate over the future of the property.
Casino Asset Proceeds Converted into Public Works
The municipality’s decision converts part of the revenue generated from the sale of the historic complex into direct investment in local infrastructure.
Authorities are seeking to ensure that proceeds from one of Necochea’s major public assets have a visible impact on services used by residents.
Local Context
The future of the Casino Complex had been a major political and urban issue in Necochea for several years.
Its deterioration, failed sale attempts and debate over its future generated multiple proposals and controversies.
The successful auction has now shifted attention towards how the proceeds will be managed and invested.
Next Steps or Impact
The Public Works Department will continue preparing the documentation required to launch the projects.
Authorities will also determine which neighbourhoods and areas of Necochea and Quequén will be included in the initial phase.
The decision means most of the first proceeds from the Casino Complex auction will be converted into public-lighting improvements with broader territorial reach than the paving alternative considered.
Editó: @fonta
