Packer frustrated at Sydney casino delays

Crown Resorts chairman James Packer said it’s unlikely his six-star VIP resort in Sydney will open on time and expressed frustration at the planning process.

Packer was speaking to reporters at the opening of Melco Crown Entertainment’s City of Dreams resort in Manila.

Crown has been waiting for the resolution of a legal fight between property developer Lend Lease and the Barangaroo Delivery Authority before it can apply for planning approval for its project.

"Because the BDA and Lend Lease still haven't settled their dispute I don't think we are going to open on time," he was cited as saying.

The resort was scheduled to open in 2018, though the casino won’t open until November 2019 when rival Echo Entertainment’s exclusive license for the city expires.

The $2 billion Sydney resort will be a VIP-only property, targeted mainly at Asian high rollers.

 

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