Asta could become casino

The former AStA disco and theatre on the Spui could be transformed into a casino.

Swiss Casino, which is now located across the Spui, would like to move into the building. The municipality has confirmed that it has granted a permit for the building to be renovated, but a spokesman says that the municipality hasn’t been informed about what the building will be used for.

The project developers originally had totally different plans for the building but the crisis has meant a shifting of plans. The former disco would have been part of the final phase in the plans to fix up the Spuikwartier, including an important subproject to renew the Grote Marktstraat. The other two areas, the Rabbijn Maarsenplein and Spuimarkt (C&A/Levi Lassen block) have already been redeveloped.

The last phase includes the redevelopment of the former Marks & Spencer building and the so-called Asta location. The Asta theatre dates from 1921, but the current facade was added in 1938.

Multi Vastgoed, the former owner of the AStA, sold the building last year to Harry Ballemaker, owner of the Sir Winston Casino in Rijswijk. 

Translated from Den Haag Centraal, 14 January 2011

The AStA in better times. Photo by Truus, Bob & Jan too!