the project still on track despite the uncertainties surrounding the Louis Nicollin stadium?
Announced in 2016, MHSC’s future soccer stadium, the Stade Louis Nicollin, is at a standstill. Indeed, the budget for the construction of this stadium has still not been finalized. Worse still, one of the club’s major partners, the Banque des Territoires, which was supposed to enable it to self-finance most of the construction, has pulled out. The creation of a casino just a few metres from the stadium was an integral part of the project.
The mayor of Pérols still supports the creation of a casino
In Pérols, the commune in the Hérault department chosen ahead of Montpellier and Lattes to host MHSC’s future Louis Nicollin stadium, the project to create a casino has not been abandoned. In fact, in order to make part of the stadium profitable, the soccer club’s owners had planned to create a casino. to integrate a casino not far from the stadium. Well, the latest news is that the gambling establishment may well see the light of day, on one condition!
The casino could be built if the commune succeeds in obtaining the “tourist resort” label. At a town council meeting held on October 12, 2023, the application for this label was approved before being forwarded to the Prefecture. Jean-Pierre Rico, the UDI-labeled mayor of Pérols, declared: ” The label would give the commune greater visibility, as well as higher subsidies. The construction of a casino, meanwhile, would represent major revenue for Pérols. If the stadium project doesn’t go ahead, we’ll find another location for the casino. “.
Latt’Agora association opposes construction of MHSC stadium
In spite of everything, the municipality has to face up to hostility from various associations. Among those opposed to the stadium project in the commune of Lattes and Pérols is Latt’Agora, which is also opposed to the construction of a casino. According to the members of this association, the fact that the Lycée Champollion is close to the casino construction zone poses a problem.
” A casino located next to the Lycée Champollion, in a shopping area with a Carrefour hypermarket that is very popular with young people between midday and 2 p.m., would encourage high-school students to take up gambling. “recently claimed Latt’Agora.
It should be remembered that the new MHSC stadium – and consequently the casino – was originally planned for the Cambacérès district, before being moved to the Pérols commune following the election of Michaël Delafosse (PS) as mayor of Montpellier in 2020. However, the project for a 24,000-seat stadium has always been opposed by local residents and EELV elected representatives.
