Knokke-Heist plans at least €122m new Casino-Kursaal

The municipality of Knokke-Heist is developing a new Casino-Kursaal, with the project estimated to cost at least €122.7m excluding VAT, the municipality said. The mayor told a report that the first key steps towards construction have been taken. The municipality owns the building and has had plans for the old Casino-Kursaal building from 1929 for more than 15 years, according to the report.

The historic building is to be restored, with an underground extension comprising a gaming hall and a large car park. A restaurant on level -1 looks out over the gaming hall, and there is a separate VIP gaming room for exclusive guests. The municipality said the choice of contractor followed a long process in which several candidates were considered, and that an assessment committee took time to examine the project because of its complexity. All Art was selected, but the choice is not yet final.

The cost was estimated a few years ago at €110m and has since risen to at least €122.7m excluding VAT. The municipality said it is the most ambitious project it has ever realised. The casino previously worked with Napoleon Games and will continue to do so, and operating the large car park is also intended to generate revenue; the proceeds are to finance the project over the long term. The municipality wants the renewed Casino-Kursaal to become a building with standing and international appeal, acting as an attraction for the seaside resort and supporting local trade and hospitality.

The mayor of Knokke-Heist said: "De bouw van het Casino-Kursaal is één van de meest uitdagende en complexe projecten van de gemeente Knokke-Heist. We leggen dan ook veel vertrouwen in het bouwteam. Het Kursaal wordt straks een nieuw uithangbord voor onze culturele en toeristisch-recreatieve ontsluiting van Knokke-Heist en zet ons internationaal opnieuw op de kaart." Earlier plans for a 100-metre-high casino tower were abandoned at the end of 2013 after years of protest, according to the report.