Packer casino 'no done deal'

The New South Wales Deputy Premier insists James Packer's plan for a new six-star hotel and casino at Barangaroo is not a done deal, despite the billionaire businessman unveiling potential designs for the project.

Three international architects have created competing designs for the hotel skyscraper, which would include an exclusive gaming room.

The New South Wales Government appointed an independent panel led by former Future Fund chairman David Murray to weigh up Mr Packer's plan against a rival bid from The Star casino, owned by Echo Entertainment, which aims to lure high-roller tourism to the city.

Only one proposal will be given the green light to proceed to the next stage of assessment.

Echo Entertainment's agreement limits NSW to only one casino license until 2019.

Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner says no decision has been made.

"James Packer is a confident businessman, he's putting everything into this proposal and he's got to take his best shot at it," Mr Stoner said.

"That said, there's an element of uncertainty about this because there are two proposals being considered by the Independent panel that the Government has established.

"That independent panel will be guided by what is the best deal in the best interests of the taxpayers."

Mr Stoner says he is impressed with the designs, but Mr Packer's decision to unveil them will not influence the decision.

"The decision has not been taken to this point," he said.

"We do have a process that's at arm's length from the Government. That process involves looking at the merits of two proposals that have been put the Government; one by Echo or one by Crown."

The three firms who submitted designs are: Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture; Kohn Pedersen Fox; and Wilkinson Eyre Architects.

The final design must be approved by the Barangaroo Delivery Authority and the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure.

Source: ABC News, 3 May 2013