The New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA) has formally approved the Bayou Phoenix development group’s plan for Six Flags New Orleans.
First opened as the $130 million Jazzland in 2000, the abandoned theme park was acquired by Six Flags in 2002. The company spent $20m on upgrades and reopened it as Six Flags New Orleans in 2003.
Six Flags New Orleans did not reopen after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The site has been held since 2009 by the Industrial Development Board (IDB).
Bayou Phoenix’s plan for the 227-acre site includes hotels, a water park, and movie studios, the New Orleans Advocate reports.
Hotels and water park planned for site
NORA’s executive director Brenda Breaux said they are “working toward getting an executed lease”, which will give Bayou Phoenix unrestricted access to the site. The developer can then begin the site preparation.
Project costs have been estimated at between $500m and nearly $1 billion. However, Bayou Phoenix said realistic projections will not be possible until the project is more advanced.
Bayou Phoenix was selected as the developer for the former Six Flags park in October 2021. New Orleans made a deal with NORA and Bayou Phoenix earlier this year.
LaToya Cantrell, the mayor of New Orleans, said the city “continues to invest our resources into this project that we believe will successfully return the site to commerce”.
Bayou Phoenix working with NORA
Breaux said NORA will work with the community and Bayou Phoenix “to deliver services and benefits for the residents of New Orleans East”.
“Our team has completed the feasibility analysis of this effort with very exciting results – and as a resident of New Orleans East, I believe that this project will be transformational for the entire region,” said Troy Henry, Bayou Phoenix’s team leader.
Last week, Six Flags posted its financial results for the second quarter of 2023, reporting increases in attendance and revenue.
