There are four companies in the running to develop a multi-billion dollar integrated casino resort in Queensland, Australia.

Brisbane

Crown Resorts, Echo Entertainment, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and Greenland Investment have been invited to submit detailed proposals for the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane project.

In October last year, the Queensland government announced that a gaming licence would be offered to encourage the development of a resort across a nine-hectare government-owned site.

“Our vision is to build on Brisbane’s characteristic strengths and create an iconic new world city that draws increasing numbers of international tourists and business to our capital,” said Queensland Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney. “We promised to grow the construction and tourism sector of the Queensland economy and today’s announcement paves the way for this to happen on a scale not seen in Brisbane since the redevelopment of South Bank.”

The four shortlisted groups are expected to deliver “competitive proposals” for the project, which will include six-star hotels, retail, restaurant and entertainment zones, and convention facilities.

“The next phase of the process will be an opportunity for the shortlisted proponents to demonstrate their vision and innovation in transforming this under-utilised but important part of the Brisbane CBD [central business district],” Seeney said. “We will be looking for the brightest and best proposal that delivers the greatest benefits to Queensland.”

A decision on the winning bid is unlikely to be made before 2015.