Several years ago, the SkyCity announced potential plans to redevelopment its Adelaide casino property. Now, it seems that those plans are falling through – but the South Australian government still plans to give the casino a makeover. In 2012, SkyCity revealed plans to expand and renovate the casino. The project was planned to include a hotel, a new gaming floor, VIP suites, restaurants, bars and a spa.
The entire project was set at $350 million. Local residents and government officials were very excited about the prospect of the redesign, as it would bring more tourism into the area – but SkyCity seems reluctant to go through with the plan. The SA government has recently asked SkyCity to further describe its plans for the casino redevelopment.
In response to this request, a spokesperson from the gaming operator stated that he could not be "specific on the timing". He stated that it depended on coordination with stakeholders, the government and Walker Corporation. While the spokesperson has claimed that SkyCity is still committed to redeveloping the casino, the SA government seems to be growing impatient.
Government officials have decided to draw up a Plan B – just in case SkyCity does not follow through with the redevelopment project. "If they choose not to go ahead with it then we need to be ready to have a plan B and the only thing that's unacceptable really in the medium term is for there to be no decision at all about that space," says John Rau, Planning Minister for South Australia.
"So I'd be encouraging the casino management to be making a decision as soon as possible." Rau has stated that the area should be redeveloped to include greenery and usable space. Plan B also includes a new square between Festival Centre and King William Street, with a water feature and a rooftop garden.
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