PRETTY Woman actor Richard Gere wants to build the largest buddhist centre in Spain in the commuter town of Alcorcón (Greater Madrid region).
Gere, who sponsors two homeless shelters in conjunction with his Spanish partner Alejandra Silva (pictured) and who is a huge fan of Madrid's mayoress Manuela Carmena because of her social and humanitarian conscience, has already founded a buddhist centre in Pedreguer (Alicante province).
This time, he wants to base what will be the biggest in the country in the now-disused Alcorcón Arts Creation Centre (CREAA).
The plans are only at the initial viewing phase, but Alcorcón's mayor David Pérez called a meeting today (Tuesday) at noon to give details of what the project would involve.
The actor, who has a direct line to the Dalai Lama, visited the arts centre a month ago, and is said to represent investors with whom he has been in talks for some months.
Pérez has been looking for a new purpose for what he calls 'a completely unnecessary building' for some years, given that despite spending €180 million on constructing it, the previous council in Alcorcón did not research the need for it properly and it has never been used.
Two years ago, the council offered it to regional president Cristina Cifuentes to use as the head office for the future 'Silicon Valley' planned for the south of the region.
The CREAA has also been offered to art galleries, companies, universities, the Cirque du Soleil, and even the NBA.
