Skycity Adelaide Begins Stage One Of Redevelopment

MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
11 May 2004
Skycity Adelaide Begins Stage One Of Redevelopment

The $A20 million first stage of SKYCITY Adelaide's major redevelopment project commences this week, signalling the next step in the property's development as a leading entertainment destination.

Following an extensive planning, consultation and consent process with major stakeholders, including the Department of Conservation & Heritage and Adelaide City Council, work will now commence on the South end of the heritage-listed building. The first step in the project, announced by SKYCITY in December, involves clearing and restoring areas of the building, which have not been used for 18 years.

Stage One includes the development of a new bistro-style restaurant, with alfresco dining, an upmarket bar, fronting Adelaide's North Terrace, showcasing the existing heritage-listed original railway station windows, a new entrance featuring the casino's original chandeliers, private function facilities, and new gaming areas.

SKYCITY Adelaide General Manager Marketing and External Relations, Trudy McGowan said she is delighted that the first stage of the project is underway.

"Our vision for Adelaide is to create a broad based entertainment experience that will further establish SKYCITY Adelaide as a favourite leisure destination for both locals and visitors alike.

"Fundamental to the refurbishment is our commitment to faithfully restore and refurbish the original characteristics of our magnificent building - a landmark heritage site.

"For example the new ground level front bar will be developed with the unique heritage-listed original railway ticket windows being restored as an integral feature. In addition, the casino's original chandeliers will be returned to adorn the new entrance way from North Terrace into Marble Hall," said Ms McGowan.

South Australian Minister for Tourism, Jane Lomax-Smith says the redevelopment is very positive for Adelaide and South Australia.

"The newly restored former railway station building will enliven the North Terrace precinct and is also to be applauded because it fits in with the overall restoration plan for North Terrace. The upgrading will support our drive to attract more interstate and overseas visitors and will promote the importance of the precinct.

"This redevelopment not only demonstrates SKYCITY's commitment to lifting a renown Adelaide tourism attraction to the next level, but also indicates the company's confidence in South Australia as a business investment destination," said Ms Lomax Smith.

Stages Two and Three of the proposal involve a potential further investment of $A50 million.

The proposed additional stages will include a new underground carpark - providing 450 spaces and improving accessibility to the Riverbank precinct and other major city attractions - a dedicated entertainment facility for concerts and special events and the redevelopment of the main gaming areas.

The proposed full three-year investment will provide a major boost to employment in South Australia, creating 480 direct jobs during the construction phase and adding more than 235 permanent staff to the SKYCITY payroll.

It will also utilise areas of the building that have remained vacant for more than 18 years, adding approximately 20 percent extra space for a range of customer uses. Stage one of the redevelopment is expected to be completed by December 2004.

ENDS

© Scoop Media