DECK’S VIEW TO DINE FOR
THE next exciting stage in a $ 40 million- plus makeover of The Ville Resort Casino will be opened to the public tonight with the launch of The Quarterdeck restaurant and bar.
Along with the Quarterdeck, a balcony expansion of Miss Songs restaurant will also be opened in what resort operators say will be a tremendous addition for Townsville.
Resort owner Chris Morris said the redevelopment, which is ongoing, would take the hotel to another level and, hopefully, open more eyes to the beauty of Townsville.
“I think this property has got the best view of any casino in Australia by far,” Mr Morris said.
“And finally, Townsville is looking at its best aspect, which is the water and Magnetic Island, where it has been too focused on city centres and that sort of stuff.
“Hopefully, this will get Townsville people thinking positive about Townsville because Cairns could not do this. There are mudflats.
“This is spectacular. And Townsville should be proud of it.
“I think it’s got to have more things that take advantage of its natural beauty.”
The casino was developed in the 1980s but much of the property was closed to the sea. The redevelopment is opening the hotel to the seafront with balconies, while further work will provide more restaurant space, a remake of the Aqua buffet into a restaurant called Palm House, a large infinity pool with swim- up bar, a gymnasium, day spa and deck and convention venue called the Pavilion.
The hotel has hired 35 additional staff for the Quarterdeck, which will provide a restaurant and late- night venue with live music, with another entry into the casino.
Resort CEO Michael Jones said the Quarterdeck jobs were all new.
“We have just taken on 35 additional staff which will be at the Quarterdeck,” Mr Jones said.
“I am very happy with the team we have.”
Mr Jones said the Quarterdeck was pitched to provide affordable food appropriate to the environment.
“It’s affordable food, great for a family,” Mr Jones said.
“The restaurant is not that formal that you can’t come out in a pair of shorts and sit out and have a beer and watch the beautiful view.”
Mr Jones, said they were “tremendously excited”, and more than 300 people had been invited to the Quarterdeck from 5pm, with the public welcome from 7pm.
The pool, gym, day spa and Pavilion convention centre are expected to open at the end of March, with Palm House to open in May.