SkyCity’s revamp set to finish before Christmas
South Australia’s new and improved SkyCity Adelaide Casino is on track to be completed in the coming months, with bookings already being taken from December.
News.com.au reports the casino’s $330 million worth of upgrades will see 120 rooms, restaurants, a wellness centre with a spa, pool and gym and a bar with 360 degree views feature at the revamped complex.
The New Zealand based casino operator’s new launch will rival James Packer’s $2.2 billion Crown Sydney opening at Barangaroo early next year, with its hospitality precinct hoping to open in December.
It is a popular time for casino’s to undergo facelifts, with the Star group working towards the rejuvenation of its Gold Coast complex. Scheduled to be ready in early 2022.
The South Australian government is hopeful the new casino will attract interstate and international tourists to the 12-storey complex once borders reopen.
SkyCity Adelaide general manager David Christian said the complex was due to open at the end of November and it was recruiting 800 staff.
He said refurbishments on the existing casino were also near completion.
“One of the key features has been focusing on that it’s a true SA venue; whether it be with the art work all sourced locally, our food and wine list, down to local fashion designer Liza Emanuele designing all our new uniforms,” Mr Christian said.
“It will make an extremely unique product and be equally one of the best casino, entertainment venue products in Australasia.”
“We’re already taking bookings for December 1. We’re expecting to open the last week of November. We’ll be trial running to make sure it’s perfect.”
South Australia’s Premier Steven Marshall said the construction was on time and on budget.
“Coronavirus has kept the number of people coming from overseas and interstate extraordinarily low but when this opens, I think we’ll be coming out of the coronavirus and will be attracting more people to come to the state,” he said.
“SA has needed an upgrade to its higher end accommodation…the product we have coming online in SA now compares favourably with anything on offer around the country.
“There are markets that require this super high level product which we were missing.
Prices for basic hotel rooms start at $420.
There are also 40 suites and a large two bedroom villa, which takes up almost one-quarter of one of the floors.
The villa will cost $5000 a night and has its own gym, sauna, dining room space and balcony.
SkyCity Adelaide plans for expansion include an onsite microbrewery
SkyCity Entertainment has rolled out the plans for its $330 million Adelaide casino expansion, with a project named ‘The District’.
Inkedin reported in July that the expansion will feature Australia’s first fully functioning microbrewery operating inside a casino.
The District at SkyCity was revealed after an historic partnership with Pirate Life.
It plans to put together all attractions at level one, including a poker zone, sports bar, Pirate Life microbrewery, live entertainment and bistro.
Pirate Life co-found Michael Cameron explained the concept.
“When we arrived in Adelaide, a big part of our ambition was to create a brewery that resonated with South Australians,” Mr Cameron said.
“After establishing Pirate Life in Hindmarsh, followed by the move and expansion in Port Adelaide, the ability to partner with The District at SkyCity as part of their transformation is another fantastic step on the journey.
“We look forward to sharing the Pirate Life experience with more South Australians, as well as tourists visiting the state.”
Other important works to be undertaken in the heritage building include a repainting of the Marble Hall for the first time since the Adelaide Casino was opened in 1985, as well as renovation and extension of the Baccarat Pavilion.
It is estimated the project will create about 1000 jobs during construction and 700 ongoing positions upon completion, with recruitment for some positions having already been conducted.
General manager of SkyCity Adelaide said: “The District at SkyCity, featuring the dynamic Pirate Life team, is the final piece of the puzzle at SkyCity Adelaide; creating a vibrant live entertainment space on level one in the current heritage building.
“During the recent closure of the Adelaide Casino, construction projects were able to continue on the expansion and hotel site, as well as without our beautiful heritage building, where The District at SkyCity will come to life on level one later this year.”
