Necochea Advances New Gaming Hall and Casino Complex Redevelopment
Argentina.- 9 September 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com The Municipality of Necochea is moving forward with plans for the comprehensive redevelopment of its landmark Casino Complex, including construction of a new gaming hall and the refurbishment of several existing areas.
A Toda Vela Mar SA, Oscar Merlo’s company and the successful bidder for part of the property, has already begun preparing the technical plans required for the project.
New Gaming Hall
One of the central components will be construction of a new gaming hall.
The facility will form part of a broader intervention designed to restore sections of the historic complex and return the property to commercial and tourism use.
Detailed technical specifications are still being prepared.
Refurbishment of Existing Areas
The project also provides for the redevelopment and adaptation of parts of the existing structure.
The intention is to make use of existing infrastructure while introducing new functions as part of a broader regeneration strategy.
Food and Beverage Offering
Plans also contemplate the addition of food and beverage spaces.
The intention is to build an offering extending beyond gaming and to increase the complex’s appeal to both local residents and visitors.
Gastronomy is therefore expected to form one component of the redevelopment.
Potential Hotel Development
Mayor Arturo Rojas also raised the possibility of incorporating hotel accommodation.
This has not yet been confirmed as a definitive component of the project but is among the alternatives being considered to strengthen the tourism proposition surrounding the complex.
Technical Plans and Approvals
Once completed, the technical documentation will need to be formally submitted to the Municipality of Necochea.
This process is required before the necessary licences and authorisations can be obtained.
Local authorities acknowledged that the approval stage will take time due to the administrative and technical procedures involved.
Statements
Arturo Rojas confirmed that the successful bidder is preparing plans for a new gaming hall and the redevelopment of existing areas of the complex.
He said food and beverage venues and potentially a hotel are also under consideration.
The Mayor expressed hope that the technical documentation will be submitted to the municipality as soon as possible so the approval process can begin.
Theatre Auditorium Auction
At the same time, the municipality is progressing with the auction of the complex’s Theatre Auditorium.
A public draw has already been held to select the auctioneer responsible for the process.
Once the relevant document has been signed, authorities will establish:
- The auction date.
- Time.
- Venue.
Both individuals and legal entities will be able to participate.
Ending Years of Abandonment
The local administration believes the sale and auction of different areas of the property will bring an extended period of deterioration to an end.
The Casino Complex was for decades one of Necochea’s architectural and tourism landmarks, but its ongoing deterioration also became a financial burden for the municipality.
The current strategy seeks to restore the property through private investment.
Phased Redevelopment
The works are not expected to be completed simultaneously.
The plan envisages the complex being recovered progressively through different investment stages.
This approach will allow redevelopment to advance as individual plans are approved and investment commitments materialise.
Employment Creation
Generating employment is one of the municipality’s main stated objectives.
Redevelopment could create direct and indirect jobs across:
- Gaming.
- Food and beverage.
- Hospitality.
- Services.
- Construction.
- Tourism.
Local authorities want the former casino complex to once again play an important role in Necochea’s economy.
Reducing the Municipal Burden
The decision to sell and auction sections of the property also reflects the cost of maintaining such a large deteriorating building.
The municipality aims to transform a financial liability into an asset capable of attracting private investment, generating employment and supporting wider economic activity.
Industry Context
Land-based casino developments are increasingly evolving towards integrated entertainment models.
Combining gaming with food, accommodation and other services can broaden the visitor base and reduce dependence on a single activity.
Necochea’s proposed redevelopment follows this model by introducing several complementary uses within the historic property.
Next Steps or Impact
A Toda Vela Mar SA must complete and formally submit its technical plans before municipal approval of the works can begin.
Meanwhile, the Theatre Auditorium auction will move ahead once the date and conditions are formally established.
The municipality’s strategy is to progressively restore one of Necochea’s most emblematic properties through private investment, a new gaming hall and complementary activities capable of generating employment and economic activity.
Editó: @fonta
