Looks like Coron, Palawan, will not be converted to Bikini Bottom after all.
Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), which owns the Nickelodeon brand, said in a press statement yesterday that its partnership with the upcoming underwater resort Coral Water Park (CWP) has been discontinued.
“Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) has mutually agreed with CWP to discontinue the IP licensing agreement for the Nickelodeon-branded attraction and resort that was intended to be part of Coral World Park’s planned development in the western Philippine province of Palawan,” the statement said.
In January, VIMN announced its partnership with CWP and a plan to build a 100-hectare Nickelodeon attraction. “[The attraction] will be inspired by some of Nickelodeon’s most iconic properties like SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Dora the Explorer…” they said.
This was met with protests from environmentalists and netizens, and sparked an online petition within days.
https://www.facebook.com/NotoUnderwaterThemedPark/photos/a.240470809724432.1073741825.240469486391231/240470816391098/?type=1&theater
Former Environment Secretary Gina Lopez spoke out against the project and said, “We will not allow anything that will damage the environment. No amount of money is worth the well being of our farmers and fishermen.”
While the licensing deal with Nickelodeon is a no-go, CWP has not yet released a statement about any new changes in their construction plans.
A video on their website shows that they plan to build underwater pods for resort services, 24 villas around the island, and a science center. The development will also have restaurants and a casino.
