Green light for $300m SKYCITY expansion creating hundreds of new jobs

A $300 million expansion of Adelaide’s SKYCITY Casino has received planning approval, paving the way for another major transformation of the city’s Riverbank Precinct, while creating hundreds of jobs.

The Housing and Urban Development Minister Stephen Mullighan said the Development Assessment Commission had approved the 80-room luxury hotel, restaurant and premium gaming complex.

“SKYCITY anticipates about 500 people to be employed on this project during construction with another 1000 people expected to be employed on an ongoing basis once it is complete,” Mr Mullighan said.

“This development promises to be one of the jewels in Adelaide’s crown, boasting signature restaurants, and new VIP gaming experiences.

“The approval of this world-class development marks another milestone in the revitalisation of our Riverbank Precinct, which already boasts the iconic Adelaide Oval, Riverbank Footbridge and Convention Centre West Building.

“The casino expansion will further enhance this space, together with the second stage of the Convention Centre redevelopment, which is well underway, and the revitalisation of the Adelaide Festival Plaza – with designs currently out for consultation.”

The Development Assessment Commission has attached a number of conditions to the approval aimed at preserving the heritage of the Adelaide Railway Station building.

Mr Mullighan said SKYCITY hoped to start the new building by the middle of 2016 and will coordinate construction with other works scheduled for the site such as the plaza redevelopment.

“The SKYCITY project will build on our $5.4 billion tourism industry, providing a new premium experience for visitors from interstate and overseas, in turn enabling South Australia to better compete with the eastern states for more tourist dollars,” Mr Mullighan said.

“Many of these visitors will also venture further afield to experience more of the unique experiences South Australia has to offer, making the SKYCITY development a key drawcard in attracting tourists.”

Source: News Release, Government of South Australia, 22 January 2016

http://www.premier.sa.gov.au/images/news_releases/2016/16_01January/skycitycasino.pdf