Australian operator Crown is to spend over $200m to improve the premium player facilities at the Crown Entertainment Complex in Melbourne.
The investment is expected to create more than 200 new jobs and ensure Crown is better placed to compete with its peers in Macau and Singapore.
Among the improvements being made to the complex will be the construction of a new private gaming salon and refurbishment of the existing VIP private gaming salons. The number of gaming tables in the Mahogany Room will increase to 16.
The project is set to cost $212m and is scheduled for completion in the first half of 2012. The expansion of the complex is permitted under the amendments made to Crown Melbourne’s licence agreed with the Victorian government last year. That deal saw an increase in the number of tables permitted under the operator’s licence and an increase in tax on gaming machines.
"Having looked at the best of what is on offer from other leading integrate resorts in the world, we are consolidating Crown Melbourne’s leadership position in the international premium player market," said James Packer, executive chairman of Crown Melbourne and its parent company Crown.
"On completion, our premium facilities will rival the best in the world and allow Crown Melbourne to compete successfully in this very competitive sector of the global tourism market.
"This major capital expenditure will be a significant benefit to Australian tourism, capturing a greater share of emerging markets, such as China, and will underline confidence in Australia and Melbourne as one of the world’s leading tourist destinations."
