Here's the full press release on AeroDream, so you can revel in the full craptasticality of the proposal: would you drive to Montreal to visit this?
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CNW Group Portfolio E-Mail
AEROPORTS DE MONTREAL
Transmitted by CNW Group on : February 21, 2006 13:30
Major investment for Montréal-Mirabel - European Consortium to transform former terminal into huge world-class theme park
MONTREAL, Feb. 21 /CNW Telbec/ - Aéroports de Montréal (ADM) and I-Parks-
Oger International (the Consortium) are pleased to announce that they have
signed a memorandum of understanding regarding the redevelopment of the former
passenger facilities at Montréal-Mirabel International Airport.
The Consortium plans to develop an indoor recreational multiplex at
Montréal-Mirabel covering more than 100,000 m2 and conceived as a festive and
cultural dream destination, built around relaxing spaces and a summery,
tropical mood. The proposed concept, based on the theme of water and outer-
space, invites visitors, their families and friends on an escape to strange
and imaginary new worlds and an immersion in the wonders of high-technology.
AeroDream (Rêveport in French) will be a one-of-a-kind attraction in
North America, open year-round and geared toward people of all ages,
regardless of physical condition. The target market includes local visitors,
as well as tourists and business travellers. The initial phase of the project
will cost an estimated $100 million, to be financed by private-sector and
institutional funding.
"We are delighted to have identified a project of such quality for the
former Montréal-Mirabel terminal - one that is international in calibre, has a
solid financial footing and holds promise," said James Cherry, President and
Chief Executive Officer of ADM. "The I-Parks-Oger International project fully
meets our expectations, particularly in terms of job creation and the economic
spinoffs. The entire Laurentians region will enjoy the benefits of the ripple
effect from this one-of-a-kind product, which is sure to be a marvellous
complement to the many attractions already located in the area and could well
become a catalyst for other large-scale tourism projects."
Gilles Assouline, President of both I-Parks and the I-Parks-Oger
International Consortium, said: "We are very pleased with ADM's drive and
motivation and we firmly believe in the success of this project, signs of
which are already apparent in terms of favourable infrastructure and
accessibility, low set-up costs, international visibility and an enviable
geographic location, along with marketing adapted to the travel and leisure
needs of our Québec friends and visitors."
For his part, Géry Carot, Chairman and CEO of Oger International and the
Consortium, said: "We are eager to begin transforming into reality the
architectural end engineering solutions that we love developing, so that
futuristic projects like AeroDream can see the light of day."
A singular concept, adaptable to customers' changing tastes and needs
Rêveport/AeroDream will bring a number of unique elements together under
the same roof, inviting visitors to relax and travel to worlds of the
imagination, on amazing voyages of adventure through virtual realms:
- Four or five geodesic domes equipped with spherical screens will send
visitors into mysterious worlds and cruising over distant planets;
- A giant aquarium that will literally plunge visitors into fantastic
undersea worlds, as they choose their own path through a tunnel made of
non-deforming acrylic;
- An indoor beach, creating a tropical atmosphere and an invitation to a
siesta all year long;
- A fitness centre featuring spa, hammam, sauna and bath treatments to
satisfy the most demanding of customers when it comes to relaxation
care;
- State-of-the-art cinemas with comfortable seating, offering a
first-rate selection of films in a special Hollywood décor.
The complex's relaxing and festive atmosphere will also feature a
gleaming mall/galleria; arcades offering the latest in giant-screen gaming; an
aquatic-themed disco/karaoke with laser/video; gourmet restaurants, and
comfortable and welcoming bars and brasseries overlooking the beach and
aquarium area, but also a museum, interactive exhibition hall and television
studio. Finally, there will be a children's play area including a day-care for
toddlers.
Qualitative and quantitative marketing studies are currently underway to
refine the concept, validate the project's market positioning and adjust the
scale of its various components according to target customer preferences.
Rêveport/AeroDream is noteworthy in that it will use all of the elements
of the former terminal complex-including the terminal itself, the aeroquay,
parking facilities and hotel (which will be renovated), as well as the
administration building.
The project timetable calls for the hotel renovation to be undertaken
first; it will serve as a showcase for the Rêveport/AeroDream project. Work on
the hotel would begin by June 2006 with a fall 2006 target completion date.
Conversion of the terminal would start in fall 2006 as well, aiming at a
phased-in opening by the end of 2007.
The memorandum of understanding calls for the Consortium to sign a lease
with an initial term of 25 years and two renewal options of five years each. A
draft project proposal has already been submitted to Transport Canada.
About I-Parks-Oger International Consortium
The Consortium is made up of I-Parks Creative Industries, a French
company founded by Mr. Assouline and Jacques Gautherie, and Oger
International, a world-leading construction engineering firm.
I-Parks specializes in the design, development, financing and management
of urban parks with recreational and tourism themes. The firm, whose experts
have helped build a dozen or so sites since 1984, currently has several
projects under development in Asia, notably in Beijing, Guangdong and Macao.
These are also being completed in partnership with Oger International, which
employs more than 30,000 people and is an international specialist in the
management and engineering of major international projects featuring a high
degree of technology.
About Aéroports de Montréal
Aéroports de Montréal is the local airport authority responsible for the
management, operation and development of Montréal-Trudeau and Montréal-Mirabel
international airports under the terms of a lease entered into with Transport
Canada in 1992. The Corporation employs a total of some 600 persons at both
airports and at head office.
For further details on Aéroports de Montréal and the Corporation's
activities, consult our Web site at
www.admtl.com.
-30-
/For further information: Christiane Beaulieu, Vice President, Public
Affairs, (514) 394-7304/
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