Crown Resorts downsizes Sydney casino

In documents filed with the planning department, Crown Resorts confirmed it would designate only 6,805 sqm for the entire gaming floor.

In the license agreement struck with the government, the casino can occupy 20pc of the gross floor area, up to 20,000 sqm. Revised plans for the property cover 77,500 sqm, which means 15,000 sqm could have been used for gaming. The agreement states there will be no slot machines at the casino, but it can house an unlimited number of gaming tables.

Crown filed the details about the casino in response to a request from the department of planning to confirm that it complies with the gaming license. In the documents, Crown affirmed, “the proposed size of the area occupied by table games within the Restricted Gaming Facility is well below the maximum permitted under the Restricted Gaming License.”

The company also filed responses to concerns about its plans, including from the City of Sydney council, which claimed the proposed 610 parking spaces was excessive and pointed to the lack of affordable housing in the development. Crown argues it needs 500 parking spaces for guests of the hotel and 110 spaces for residents of its 66 private apartments.

With a price tag of $2bn, the facility will cater to affluent guests with a six-star hotel and VIP gaming amenities. The plans include a 275-metre complex that will house both the hotel and casino, as well as multi-million dollar residential apartments, bars and restaurants. Planning approval is now contingent on a revised concept plan submitted by developer Land Lease.