Townsville Bulletin

CASINO’S $7M GAMBLE ON HIGH ROLLERS

- TONY RAGGATT

THE Ville Resort-casino has unveiled plans for a $7 million redevelopm­ent to provide a new gaming area for high rollers and a conference and entertainm­ent venue.

Under the plan, the existing Grand Ballrooms, Coral Sea Room and Boardroom will be transforme­d into an exclusive private gaming area, while a separate conferenci­ng and entertainm­ent venue will feature state-of-the-art staging and audiovisua­l equipment.

The property’s CEO, Michael Jones, said the project was the logical next stage of the Morris Group’s initial $45 million redevelopm­ent of The Ville which concluded in 2018.

“The Grand Ballroom was the only section which wasn’t included in that initial redevelopm­ent so these works will bring it in line with the look and feel of the rest of the property,” Mr Jones said.

“As well as electronic gaming machines, table games, and food and beverage outlets, the new VIP gaming room will also boast stunning ocean views and a balcony overlookin­g Magnetic Island.

“I’m sure the upgrade to our entertainm­ent venue will be welcome news to the many fans of our live shows but it will also give us another fantastic space for smaller conference­s to complement the existing offering in The Pavilion which has proven to be really popular.”

General manager, marketing and VIP services, Emily Roebuck said the new gaming rooms would allow The Ville to provide a unique and highend experience for its fastgrowin­g gaming market.

“Since the first redevelopm­ent was completed, our interstate gaming program, in particular, has been growing exponentia­lly,” she said.

“The addition of the new VIP gaming rooms will allow us to significan­tly enhance what we can offer our top tier members.

“It will also mean we can provide an even higher level of service to our many loyal local members.”

Demolition work is scheduled to begin in December with the aim for the project to be completed in June next year. Constructi­on will be undertaken with no disruption to existing gaming operations or to hotel guests staying inhouse.

Mr Jones said the redevelopm­ent would provide a big boost to the economy with an all-queensland project team.

“Brisbane-based design firm BSPN has been signed on to oversee the project because of their extensive experience in gaming hospitalit­y projects like this one,” Mr Jones said.

“North Queensland company Prime Constructi­ons has been awarded the principal contract and have committed to using local trades and contractor­s as a first preference for all aspects of the build.”

 ?? Picture: ALIX SWEENEY ?? The Ville-resort Casino dealer Kea Guarrera at the VIP blackjack table. The venue is redevelopi­ng its ballrooms into a high rollers gaming area.
Picture: ALIX SWEENEY The Ville-resort Casino dealer Kea Guarrera at the VIP blackjack table. The venue is redevelopi­ng its ballrooms into a high rollers gaming area.

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