In a remote area of Badajoz, near the town of Castilblanco, the initial earthworks have begun for a new large amusement park, not aiming to be highly touristic. Elysium City is presented as a macro urban and tourism project where every aspect is positioned as flawless. The project envisions an investment around 8,000 million euros and a site spanning roughly 12 square kilometers, with about half of that area intended for development.
The figures understandably reflect the project’s enormous scale: 18,000 hotel rooms, 2,000 residences, a golf course, casinos, a football stadium with a capacity of 40,000 spectators, water parks, shops, a train station, and more. All of this would be set along the shores of the García de Sola reservoir, in an area known for its natural beauty. Elysium has been likened to a regional version of the Eurovegas concept, drawing parallels to the stalled Madrid project.
The Junta de Extremadura has publicly supported the initiative and the relevant environmental impact permits. The Castilblanco Town Hall granted construction permission after a lengthy administrative process concluded.
The company defends the rigor of the project
Castilblanco Elysium Corporation, the driving force behind the plan, described the amusement park as a success story that emerged from a challenging and complex administrative journey. The proposal aims to bring extensive employment opportunities and growth to the region, according to statements from the project’s leading advocate, Francisco Nuchera, who stressed the potential benefits in a company note.
The company asserts that up to 56,000 direct and indirect jobs could be generated through the investment, claiming the initiative would transform Castilblanco and Extremadura. The local government team, led by Mayor María Ángeles Merino of the People’s Party, echoed the sentiment, calling the project an unstoppable, tangible turning point for Castilblanco. [Fuente: Ayuntamiento de Castilblanco].
The project is backed at the regional level by the Board, chaired by Guillermo Fernández Vara of the PSOE, which had previously approved a regional framework for large amusement facilities to protect and support such ventures. [Fuente: Junta de Extremadura].
Photographs accompanying the presentation show a vision of the complex’s future, including facilities that would shape the area around the reservoir, and proponents argue the location already benefits from natural beauty that complements the planned attractions.
At the heart of the Biosphere Reserve
Despite the ambition, environmental concerns loom large. The proposed site lies within the La Siberia Biosphere Reserve, prompting critics to question whether the development can coexist with conservation goals. Supporters insist that the area designation in question does not automatically preclude large-scale developments, noting that no construction would occur within a Special Protection Area for Birds. [Fuente: Ecologistas en Acción].
Environmental groups such as Ecologistas en Acción and Adenex have labeled the project potentially unsustainable, arguing that Castilblanco’s natural resources could be compromised and placed under serious threat. They have highlighted points of contention, including project modifications and changes in land use intended to ease oversight by different authorities. [Fuente: Ecologistas en Acción; Adenex].
Additionally, the project owner acknowledged several regulatory non-conformities noted in the annexes of submitted documents, stating that environmental studies would be presented at a later stage.
“Noise, light pollution and water waste”
The proponents predict a noticeable rise in ambient noise during both construction and operation, with potential impacts on local habitats. Critics warn that light pollution could be significant due to the scale of planned constructions. Comparisons have been drawn to Marina de Valdecañas, another high-profile project in the region, as a benchmark for potential light emissions. [Fuente: Benemérita Universidad de Extremadura].
Concerns are also raised about wastewater from water parks, golf courses, and accommodations within the complex. While residential consumption in Spain typically averages around 142 liters per person per day, projections for the Elysium project include higher usage, reaching roughly 200 liters per capita daily, which raises questions about water resources in the Guadiana basin. [Fuente: Asociación de Consumidores].
Additional notes suggest ongoing discussions about how environmental monitoring will be conducted and what data will be used to assess long-term impacts.
Note: the environmental department’s contact details were previously circulated as part of the planning process, but such specifics are not included here. [Fuente: Ministerio de Medio Ambiente].
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