Operator News
Australia – Aquis granted an extension to lodge Casino Canberra’s blueprint
By Phil - 21 May 2018
The ACT government has extended the deadline for Aquis Entertainment to present an updated proposal for its expansion of Casino Canberra.
Aquis confirmed it has been given an ‘undefined extension’ to the government’s initial request to present its finalised blueprint for the expansion by May 14 or risk losing the opportunity altogether.
A government spokesperson said: “The ACT Government has provided Aquis with an extension to provide the financial information requested in order to progress their unsolicited bid for the Casino. The ACT Government will meet with Aquis to discuss the matters it has raised. Aquis will then have an opportunity to consider its response and how it will proceed.”
Aquis wanted to invest AU$330m on developing the Casino Canberra precinct with two new hotels as well as has offered it the chance to operate 200 slot machines and 60 electronic table games. With discussions stalling, the government gave Aquis a month to respond.
A spokesperson for Aquis said: “Aquis remains committed to pursuing the company’s vision of delivering a world class project that will contribute significant urban renewal and economic development benefits to Canberra and will continue to progress their plans. Given the size of the proposed investment, the Government must be realistic in its expectations about the detail and speed at which information could be provided in the face of significant commercial uncertainty.”
