Aquis plans $235m revamp of Canberra Casino

Tuesday 15th of September 2015

Aquis Entertainment plans to spend A$330 million ($235 million) to upgrade Casino Canberra to create a resort including one six-star ultra high-end hotel and a 100-suite five-star property extending to six storeys, company managing director Justin Fung told the Canberra Times.

However, the investment will be largely contingent on pokie machines being allowed into the facility.

Hong Kong-based Aquis Entertainment 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 newspaper said.

The company completed the acquisition of the casino in August. The group also has a license to build an $8.15 billion integrated resort at Yorkeys Knob in Queensland.

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