Sky City grabs more of Auckland leisure, entertainment market

By Christine Nikiel

Friday 8th November 2002

A new five-star hotel in Auckland will strengthen Sky City Entertainment Group's grip on the city's leisure and entertainment market.

The group said this week it would build a $75 million, 320-room hotel opposite its entertainment and gaming complex on Federal St and above the $60 million Sky City Convention Centre, also on Federal St, now under construction.

Demand for accommodation from convention centre customers had driven the decision, Sky City managing director Evan Davies said.

Sky City's existing hotel, located within the Sky City Auckland complex, was at capacity and was not expected to be able to cater to delegates using the convention centre, Mr Davies said.

An overbridge will link the new 14-level hotel and convention centre to the Sky City Auckland complex and casino. The hotel will be built in the airspace on top of the eight-level convention centre podium.

The hotel is expected to open in late 2004.

Earlier this year the Auckland City Council refused a joint venture with Sky City Entertainment Group to build a convention centre on Sky's 123 Albert St site, opposite the casino entrance, because it was not big enough to cater for future demand. The council would have put $6 million toward that project, which would have catered for 1000-1500 conference delegates.

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