Crown Sydney is set to open in 2019, but a land disagreement is causing delays. James Packer, head of Crown Resorts, is now growing concerned about these setbacks which could push back the opening date of the new high roller casino resort. The casino operator has already received approval from the local gaming commission that will allow the new resort to be built.
However, Crown Resorts still has to apply for planning approval – which cannot be done until property developer Lend Lease and the Barangaroo Delivery Authority settle their dispute. "Because the BDA and Lend Lease still haven't settled their dispute I don't think we are going to open on time," Packer says. Packer has stated that Crown Sydney is his major priority at the moment.
This is especially true now that he has withdrawn his plan to open a casino resort in the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo. "There's nothing more important to me than Crown Sydney”. While the situation has put Crown Resorts in a bind, Echo Entertainment is likely celebrating. When Crown Resorts received approval to build its new high-roller casino, Echo Entertainment lost its monopoly on casino gambling in the state.
If the opening of the new high roller casino is delayed, then The Star Casino will continue to be the only local casino. There is no word on how long it will take for the dispute between Lend Lease and the BDA to be resolved. However, once a resolution has been decided, it will not be long before Crown can begin building the new venue.
Planning permission is the last hurdle before construction can begin, and Crown Resorts is eager to make its application and move forward with this project.
About the Author
