The application to install 60 poker machines in Casey Towers has been approvedBy Callan Date
THE $100 million Casey Towers development is one step closer to reality after approval was given for 60 poker machines to be installed at the venue.
The decision, released last week by the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation (VCGR), means construction on the Narre Warren development is likely to start at the end of the year.
Other exciting features the News can reveal about the Casey Towers Hotel and Entertainment Complex are it will include function rooms, a gymnasium, other business services of international standard, quality dining and entertainment options like a Korean barbecue restaurant and an ‘ice-bar’.
And negotiations are under way with the Rydges Hotel Group to operate 140 four-star hotel rooms.
Casey Towers project manager Rick Grounds said last week’s decision reinforced the financial stability of the project.
He said there were still more business operators who needed to be locked in before the development was 100 per cent financial.
“We don’t doubt the project’s viability,” he said.
“The approval takes us one step closer to the project being financially secure but it is only one of many steps required.”
The VCGR approval of 60 more poker machines will take the total number in the City of Casey to more than 955.
“The local catchment population is growing rapidly, so Casey Towers will not increase the number of machines per adult resident,” Mr Grounds said.
“The gaming lounge at Casey Towers will appeal mainly to persons who will spend a modest amount on gaming as part of an overall ‘going out’ experience, eg dining, live entertainment, going to a function, sports bar, staying overnight.”
The Casey Towers development is set to be built on the Princes Highway at the eastern gateway to the Fountain Gate-Narre Warren Activity Centre.
It will feature two distinctive towers, one consisting of five levels and the other making up 10 levels, with hotel rooms, restaurants and office suites.
Mr Grounds said the project would be different from the majority of other suburban gaming venues.
“Unlike most other gaming venues, the gaming lounge at Casey Towers will be quite small and will be integrated with a comprehensive range of entertainment and hospitality options.”
“This is emphasised by the fact that the gaming lounge will not even be located on the ground floor of Casey Towers.”
The VCGR report estimates more than $8.8 million will be put through the Casey Towers poker machines in its first year of operation.
