Crown Resorts set for multimillion-dollar upgrade

A proposed multimillion-dollar upgrade of Crown Resorts’ Perth casino and hospitality complex is underway after the Group’s private equity owners stepped closer to a decision.

Crown owner Blackstone is considering an expansion and refurbishment of Crown Perth and the flagship Melbourne business.

The private investors will put the proposals to the Crown board, with a decision expected as early as May.

Crown Perth is WA’s biggest single-site employer with a 6000-strong workforce. The owners are now looking to expand with more restaurants catering to demand from family and top-end dining customers.

New attractions could also be on the cards as the complex benefits from post Covid foot traffic. Crown wants to capitalise on the recovery and WA residents’ capacity to spend big.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics claims spending in WA on cafes, restaurants and takeaway food hit a record $698 million in January, $200 million higher than three years earlier.

Crown will be eyeing upmarket venues to join Nobu and is also open to redeveloping utilities including Crown Towers pool and parking facilities.

CEO David Tsai is looking for fresh ideas.

“I’ve worked in four different jurisdictions in the US, and one thing I have learned is that there’s commonality to great hospitality experiences, but at the same time every market is completely different; you really have to understand the local norms, preferences and culture,” he said.

“But every hospitality and entertainment destination evolves, you bring in new ideas, concepts and experiences that are quite global.

“We really want to see what does this market need and what the locals here will really appreciate.”

Jonathan Jackson - 20-3-23