VILLE OWNER BACKS OUR REGION WITH $7M SPEND

Go back six months and the situation looked dire for The Ville Resort-casino.

The business, gripped by the lockdown brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, had shut, in the process laying off about 600 workers.

It was a tough time for Townsville’s premier resort but yesterday the owner of the facility showed just how much confidence he had in the region’s economy by unveiling plans for a $7 million redevelopment of the casino.

The money will buy a new gaming area for high rollers as well as a conference and entertainment venue.

It’s a bold move at this time. Private investment in Townsville hasn’t been spectacular since the pandemic, but the investment by Chris Morris, owner of the business, shows he thinks Townsville is on the way up.

The upgrade comes after a $45m investment in the resort was completed just two years ago.

The property’s CEO, Michael Jones, said the project was the logical next stage of the Morris Group’s redevelopment of The Ville.

And it’s all about luring lucrative big time gamblers to the region.

To make the venue one-of-a-kind, the VIP gaming room will boast stunning ocean views and a balcony overlooking Magnetic Island.

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 in-house.

While the upgrade will give Townsville residents even more reason to bring family and friends from around the country to the world class facility, it will also deliver jobs at a crucial time.

Management estimates the project will provide 100 jobs for local tradies during the construction phase, plus an additional 20 jobs for gaming and food and beverage staff once the new wing is operational.

It’s a win-win all around, a great boost to the underrated tourism potential of Townsville and the local economy. Well done to all involved.