The redevelopment and revitalisation of Casino Canberra will be a boon for the ACT economy by creating jobs and will be another feather in the cap for Canberra tourism, say business leaders who have welcomed the revamp.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Canberra Business Chamber chief executive Chris Faulks welcomed the redevelopment and said further investment in the casino would be a "very positive" move for Canberra.
"When people, visitors come to Canberra, they have a variety of interests - everything from family fun to national cultural institutions, but there are a proportion that want to visit a casino and the casino in Canberra has not been competitive or has not had a huge attraction up until now, so we think it's a fantastic idea that there will be more investment," she said.
"Obviously when people come here, they spend hundreds of dollars per day. It doesn't matter if they're coming here for a conference or for other purposes.
"A redeveloped casino which has better restaurants and better facilities will provide employment for people in Canberra, particularly young people, but it will also bring revenue into the town and obviously the casino then pays taxes, so that goes to the government. So it's part of a whole fabric of visitor facilities here that provide the full spectrum of activities for tourists when they come."
The chamber supported the redevelopment, Ms Faulks said.
Hong Kong billionaire Tong Fung bought the troubled Casino Canberra site in Civic for $6 million in December and revealed this week his Las Vegas-style vision for an integrated casino, dining and nightlife complex.
David Marshall, chairman of the Canberra Business Chamber's tourism industry advisory council, said the proposed redevelopment of the casino sounded "very innovative" and exciting for Canberra's tourism industry.
"It will certainly revitalise the casino's image in Canberra and it will provide the impetus for people to visit that section of the city if there are new bars, restaurants and other activities which stimulate and really highlight its aspect as an entertainment precinct," he said.
"There's no doubt if the quality of the precinct is as they've described. I'm sure it will be an enticement for a number of visitors to come into the city, and also for locals who bring visiting friends and relatives into the city as well.
"It's another destination for visitors to the city to experience what a number of other capital cities in the country have."
A redeveloped casino would add to the changing face of Canberra and become an added attraction for visitors, Mr Marshall said.
"The development in Canberra now, where you've got New Acton, Kingston foreshore, Manuka, Braddon, the city is starting to take on a different persona when it comes to visitor experience and this development will absolutely enhance the image of the city to Australians and international visitors," he said.
Mr Fung's son, Aquis Developments managing director Justin Fung, said this week he envisioned an entertainment precinct that was a "go-to" destination, offering visitors first-class dining options, high-end retail and night life including pubs and bars.
