Aquis Entertainment plans to spend A$330m (US$235m) to upgrade Casino Canberra in Australia to create a resort including one six-star ultra high-end hotel and a 100-suite five-star property extending to six storeys.
However, the investment will be largely contingent on poker machines being allowed into the facility. Hong Kong-based Aquis predicts its investment could attract almost an extra 750,000 visitors to Canberra a year including high-end Chinese gamblers.
The project also includes new bars, cafes and restaurants and promenade-style shopping possibly featuring luxury brands such as Chanel, Gucci and Louis Vuitton, a first for Canberra. Aquis has yet to secure approval or financing for the project but wants to start construction next year.
It was expected to be a two-year build, with a likely opening date in 2018. The two-stage project will see the existing 21-year-old casino remain open and operating while the new one is built. The company completed the acquisition of the casino in August. The group also has a licence to build an $8.15bn integrated resort at Yorkeys Knob in Queensland.
