Sky City plays convention card

By SIMON HENDERY Leisure industry writer

Casino company Sky City wants to expand its central Auckland entertainment business by adding 16 per cent more pokies and building a $37 million convention centre across the road.

The company is seeking Casino Control Authority approval to open a fourth gaming area in the existing building, citing peak-time congestion on its main gambling floor.

The new casino, planned for the floor above the main gaming area, would include a sports bar, 12 gaming tables and 230 pokie Machines - adding to the present tally of 98 tables and 1400 machines.

As well as the main gaming area, the building already has a boutique casino and an invitation-only high-rollers' room, both on the floor where the new casino is planned.

The new casino would replace the building's conference facilities, which are to be moved to a five-storey "international standard" convention centre on adjacent land.

Sky City has council planning approval to build the $37 million centre on land it owns between Federal and Albert Sts.

Spokeswoman Sonya Haggie said Sky City had investigated central Auckland conference facilities and concluded the city lacked an international-standard venue suitable for large dinners and conferences.

During the America's Cup, banquets and functions were held in temporary marquees and last year's Sportsman of the Century banquet was held under canvas at the Auckland Domain.

Sky City's development will include carparking, retail space and a 1450 sq m hall capable of accommodating 1000 diners.

It would be connected to Sky City by an air bridge over Federal St.

In its application to the Casino Control Authority, Sky City said the conference centre would have a significant impact on tourism, employment and economic development in Auckland City.

The company said the projected financial returns of the conference centre would not justify it as a standalone business proposal.

"However, the returns will be enhanced, and the proposal will be commercially viable, if it is accompanied by an increase in the gaming and bar facilities in the main casino complex."

The chief executive of Tourism Auckland, Graeme Osborne, said the convention centre would be a useful addition to the city's facilities.

He saw it as a stepping stone towards increasing Auckland's attractiveness as a conference destination but said the city also needed a larger centre with banqueting facilities for up to 2500 people.

Because Sky City's plans amount to a variation of its licence conditions, the casino needs Casino Control Authority approval.

Sky City shares closed down 12c yesterday at $9.18.