Star Ent to spend $1 billion as competition heats up in Sydney

Australian-listed Star Entertainment Group will be spending $1 billion in its Sydney establishment, as competition flares between it and rival gaming operator Crown, local media reports.

The proposed plan will include a $130 million update of its hotel and serviced apartments. The Star general manager of ­hotels, John Autelitano, said ­the plan was to revamp the hotel suites to appeal to young professionals, with a strong emphasis on service.

Star’s hotels have been operating at more than 90 percent occupancy. “We don’t have enough rooms. We can’t keep up with demand (and) it is very hard to get in on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights,” Mr Autelitano was quoted by The Australian. “We are not just renewing a hotel; we are putting a lot of thought and strategy behind it.”

 Star is planning to develop another hotel at Pyrmont. The six-star property would add ­another 360 keys to the casino’s accommodation portfolio, and is likely to be managed by Ritz Carlton.

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