Construction halted large-scale mart site of Phase 3 project at Lotte Tourism Distribution Complex, Jangyu, Gimhae-si, Gyeongnam./Photo by Sanghyun Lee lsh2055@
[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Sang-hyun] The Gimhae Tourism Distribution Complex project, which has been drifting for 25 years, has once again become embroiled in controversy over project changes.
According to Gimhae City on the 14th, the Gimhae Tourism Distribution Complex, which began in October 1996 through an agreement between Gyeongnam Province and Lotte, has been carried out in three phases. The first phase from 2005 to 2008 involved constructing an agricultural products distribution center, an outlet, and a logistics center. The second phase, completed between 2012 and 2015, included a water park and a cinema project.
However, the third phase, involving resort and tourism facilities, has faced criticism for procrastination, as the construction notification was submitted just one day before the imposition of a penalty for non-compliance. Since then, major projects such as a large supermarket, resort, hotel, and staff accommodations have either been put on hold or completely halted after only site preparation.
In this situation, whenever Lotte has shown movements since 2015 to reduce and change the project plan by increasing commercial facilities and apartment housing while decreasing resort facilities, the stance of Gyeongnam Province and Gimhae City, which had maintained the original plan, is said to have recently changed.
Although Gimhae City officially stated at a private meeting between Mayor Heo Seong-gon and Lotte Shopping on the 21st of last month that they still support maintaining the original plan, rumors abound internally that they might accept project reduction and plan changes considering the 2023 National Sports Festival to be held.
On the 4th, during a city administration inquiry by Gimhae City Council member Lee Jeong-hwa regarding the Tourism Distribution Complex, Mayor Heo said, "We do not have the authority to change the project, nor do we have any mechanism to stop project delays."
In this regard, a Gyeongnam Province official stated, "Reducing the project scale is possible under Gimhae City's authority," adding, "The province's position is still to maintain the original plan and see the project completed, but if a consensus is formed among Gimhae citizens and an official request is made regarding project plan changes, we will consider it."
A Lotte Shopping official responded, "We are prioritizing maintaining the original plan and are exploring various solutions."
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