Starring attractions
Sports bar and more for resort Australia falls in life quality list
A SUPER-screened sports bar, refreshed casual dining, two elegant new bars and a modern overhaul of an old Chinese favourite are the latest additions to open before the Commonwealth Games at The Star Gold Coast.
The existing section of the Broadbeach casino resort is about to be joined to its new hotel tower, which is nearing completion.
Star Entertainment Group Queensland managing director Geoff Hogg said the attraction formerly known as Jupiters had already opened six food and beverage outlets which had moved away from the dark design of casinos past.
“Through our investment here on the Gold Coast we have opened up the existing property to celebrate our fantastic coastal lifestyle and created a breadth of experiences that are reflective of our city’s vibrant personality,” he said.
“The next phase of our transformation will continue this approach by using the connection between the two buildings to provide guests with direct access to an outdoor terrace that takes full advantage of our fantastic subtropical climate.” Many of the new venues are based on successful formats used at The Star Sydney.
The sports bar will be equipped with the latest technology, including an LED super screen broadcasting sport from around the world.
Additional television screens will be fitted throughout the venue.
There will also be VIP private booths and an all-weather outdoor terrace.
Existing cafeteria Bite will also undergo a significant overhaul to become Food Quarter for casual dining.
An open-plan kitchen and extensive menu focusing on fresh and efficient service will be Food Quarter’s hallmark, along with a large custom lighting feature and sculptural wall panels – which will be used throughout the new sections.
The casino’s J bar will become two bars – Cherry, an “elevated entrance experience”, and Latitude, billed as an “elegant lounge bar”.
In the Atrium area, Chinese restaurant Zen will close to undergo a makeover led by respected southeast Queensland architectural and interior design studio ML Design.
The restaurant will receive a fresh look and furnishings to complement a revitalised menu highlighting traditional flavours, ingredients and cooking styles from the different regions of China.
Mr Hogg said there would be great opportunities for locals to join The Star team as the year progressed and encouraged hospitality enthusiasts to inquire. AUSTRALIA has dropped from fourth to ninth spot, tying with New Zealand, in an international measure of 128 countries which excludes wealth.
The Social Progress Index, which measures access to water and shelter, health and education, and opportunity to improve lives through equality, personal rights and access to education, gave Denmark top spot, up from third last year.
Nordic countries Finland, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland rounded out the top five, followed by Canada, Netherlands, Sweden, Australia and New Zealand. The United Kingdom was 12th, from 9th last year, and the US was 18th.
Produced by the Washington-based Social Progress Imperative, a collaboration of academics, thought leaders and companies seeking social progress to replace wealth as a measure of success, the Central African Republic was ranked lowest along with Afghanistan, Chad, Angola and Niger.
Australia and New Zealand tied, but Australia rated better on health and universities and New Zealand scored higher on rights and tolerance.