This came as the Brisbane headquartered company said that it was experiencing a “significant and rapid deterioration” in operating conditions, primarily due to the impacts associated with a range of regulatory run-ins. 

The divestment, undertaken through its 50 per cent owned Australian Wattle Development, comprises a fee of A$192m. The purchaser is entities owned by the Karedis and Laundy families, which are known through the Australian liquor and hospitality industries.

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Gold Coast was officially sold on Friday 3 November, 2023, with the Star receiving in the region of A$60m in net proceeds from the sale.

Australian Wattle Development purchased the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Gold Coast in a A$140m deal alongside Hong Kong-based partners Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and Far East Consortium in January 2017.

Last month, the operator, which recently detailed a comprehensive refinancing and capital restructure initiative, vowed to learn the lessons from the past amid a proclamation that 2023 “will be remembered as a watershed year” for the company. 

The comments were made by David Foster, Chair and Independent Non-Executive Director, in the operator’s latest annual report, following a series of regulatory run-ins that have blighted the Australian casino industry.

In September 2021, the then Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority, now the NSW Independent Casino Commission, appointed Adam Bell SC to conduct a review of The Star.

The main goal was to assess its suitability to hold and be associated with a casino licence in the region, including compliance with its regulatory and legal obligations. 

In September 2022, an unsuitability verdict was issued, with “many governance, risk management and cultural failings” reported as being discovered, with Star also found to have treated the state regulator “with disdain” and having delivered “deceptive” communications in the past.

This was followed by a similar ruling some time later within the group’s home market of Queensland, with Star subsequently hit with a pair of A$100m penalty packages as well as a number of remediation orders. 

Further regulatory issues have seen the operator become subject of enforcement action from Australia’s financial watchdog AUSTRAC, and counting four class action lawsuits being levelled against the group.

Last month, Star revealed that it had swung to a huge A$2.43bn statutory net loss for the 12 months ending June 30, 2023, as the numerous challenges encountered across recent times continue to take their toll on the company.

This figure included A$2.82bn of significant items that comprise a non-cash impairment of The Star Sydney, The Star Gold Coast and Treasury (A$2.17bn), debt restructuring costs (A$54m) and redundancy costs (A$16m).

Furthermore, A$593m in ongoing regulatory and legal costs includes NICC and OLGR fines, AUSTRAC civil proceedings, unpaid NSW casino duty and costs associated with ongoing regulatory reviews.

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The halt, which has been granted by the Australian Securities Exchange, is expected to comprise a multi-million dollar equity raising scheme that AFR has placed at $750m.

“The securities of The Star Entertainment Group Limited will be placed in trading halt at the request of SGR, pending it releasing an announcement regarding the outcome of the institutional component of the accelerated entitlement offer,” an ASX update read.

“Unless ASX decides otherwise, the securities will remain in trading halt until the commencement of normal trading on Wednesday, 27 September 2023.”

This follows a turbulent period for the group, with numerous regulatory failings, as well as the ongoing Queen’s Wharf development in Brisbane, ending with the company reporting a significant A$2.43bn statutory net loss for the 12 months ending June 30, 2023.

A trading halt, Star noted, was necessary due to an upcoming announcement in connection with a refinancing and related capital structure initiatives. It was added that the group is not aware “of any other information available at this stage that is necessary to inform the market about the trading halt”.

In September 2021, the then Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority, now the NSW Independent Casino Commission, appointed Adam Bell SC to conduct a review of The Star.

The main goal was to assess its suitability to hold and be associated with a casino licence in the region, including compliance with its regulatory and legal obligations. 

In September 2022, an unsuitability verdict was issued, with “many governance, risk management and cultural failings” reported as being discovered, with Star also found to have treated the state regulator “with disdain” and having delivered “deceptive” communications in the past.

This was followed by a similar ruling some time later within the group’s home market of Queensland, with Star subsequently hit with a pair of A$100m penalty packages as well as a number of remediation orders. 

Further regulatory issues have seen the operator become subject of enforcement action from Australia’s financial watchdog AUSTRAC, and counting four class action lawsuits being levelled against the group.

Last month, Star revealed that it had swung to a huge A$2.43bn statutory net loss for the 12 months ending June 30, 2023, as the numerous challenges encountered across recent times continue to take their toll on the company.

This figure includes A$2.82bn of significant items that comprise a non-cash impairment of The Star Sydney, The Star Gold Coast and Treasury (A$2.17bn), debt restructuring costs (A$54m) and redundancy costs (A$16m).

Furthermore, A$593m in ongoing regulatory and legal costs includes NICC and OLGR fines, AUSTRAC civil proceedings, unpaid NSW casino duty and costs associated with ongoing regulatory reviews.

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Building on a partnership formed in 2008, Star Entertainment has used Konami’s proprietary casino management system to deliver ‘exceptional patron experiences’ across its Australian casino resorts – The Star Sydney, The Star Gold Coast and The Star Brisbane.

Star Entertainment CEO and Managing Director, Robbie Cooke, stated: “Our collaboration has yielded outstanding results over the years, and this extension will help us deliver significant advancements in our ongoing commitment to responsible gaming and harm minimisation.” 

Star’s extended partnership will include a selection of SYNKROS solutions that will look to ‘elevate the gaming experience for patrons across Star’s properties’. 

These include a cashless digital wallet for ‘enhanced convenience and security for players’ and streamlined gameplay processes from mandatory card based play, as well as enhanced identity management using SYNK Vison, Konami’s in-house developed AI facial recognition technology.

“We are thrilled to embark on this extended journey with The Star Entertainment Group,” said Steve Sutherland, President and CEO at Konami. “Our joint commitment to innovation and excellence will not only transform the cashless gaming experience but also set new industry benchmarks for years to come.”

Additionally, SYNKROS will offer Star the ability to collaborate with Konami to ‘digitise and modernise’ its existing gaming offerings in a bid to ‘meet the evolving needs of today’s players’. 

The renewed partnership is also suggested to include an increased level of collaboration on regulatory requirements, helping Star adapt to Australia’s evolving regulatory landscape. 

“SYNKROS will not only provide our core cashless gaming solution but also enable The Star in delivering world-class harm minimization features. We have a long-standing technology partnership with Konami and this commitment further reinforces our shared vision of the casino of the future,” added Laurent Fresnel, Group Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at Star Entertainment.

At the end of last month, Star Entertainment Group revealed a statutory net loss of A$2.43bn for the financial year, ending June 30, 2023, with Cooke stating that there is ‘“still a lot to be done” in the midst of relentless regulatory action.

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2.43

Star Entertainment Group announced a huge A$2.43bn statutory net loss for the 12 months ending June 30, 2023, as the numerous challenges encountered in recent times continue to take their toll on the company.

That figure includes A$2.82bn of significant items that comprise a non-cash impairment of The Star Sydney, The Star Gold Coast and Treasury (A$2.17bn), debt restructuring costs (A$54m) and redundancy costs (A$16m).

Furthermore, A$593m in ongoing regulatory and legal costs include NICC and OLGR fines, AUSTRAC civil proceedings, unpaid NSW casino duty and costs associated with ongoing regulatory reviews.

The casino and entertainment operator has also reached an agreement with the New South Wales government to amend a proposed hike in casino tax rates.

This will result in a A$10m uplift in duty payable, however, Star suggested that the agreement is “designed to protect the jobs of thousands of NSW team members”.

88

EveryMatrix reported another set of record-breaking results for the second quarter of 2023, highlighting the impact of casino products driving growth.

The igaming technology provider also spotlighted the recent acquisition of DeepCI, as Group CEO Ebbe Groes noted that the company is “on course” to achieve its goals for the year.

Publishing its Q2 2023 financial update, EveryMatrix reported a seventh successive record quarter with new benchmarks for net revenue and EBITDA thanks to “strong growth and profitability in all business segments”.

Group revenue for the quarter improved by 88 per cent year-over-year to €56m, net revenue improved by 82 per cent YoY to €27.1m (Q2 2022: €14.9m) and EBITDA is up by 188 per cent YoY to €15m (2022: €5.2m), with a margin of 55 per cent (2022: 35 per cent) following a “strong conversion of Net Revenue growth into profit growth”.

Net revenue and EBITDA also improved by 15 per cent and 42 per cent in comparison to the previous quarter. The company’s cash position stands at €34m.

5

Svenska Spel has distributed a total of SEK 4.1m (£289,580) to a total of five independent research studies into gambling addiction, in what becomes the latest in a string of such outlays for the group.

Those selected in the group’s latest round span a quadruple of academic establishments, and will delve into issues such as the Spelpaus self-exclusion scheme, family treatment and mental health.

This latest bout of funding issued by the company’s independent research council, which was founded in 2010, takes its total allocated to SEK 45m (£3.25m) across 35 different research projects and scientific studies.

“This year’s granted research project will contribute both to increased knowledge about gambling addiction and which gambling responsibility measures work,” commented Sara Lindholm Larsson, Chair of Svenska Spel’s independent research council.

39.1

Operations in Mexico surpassed its Spanish counterpart for the first time through the second quarter, as Codere Online stressed that it is “well on track” to deliver positive EBITDA and cash flow for the full year in 2024.

As revenue increased across the digital operator’s primary regions, reduced losses through Q2 have seen Codere Online increase its guidance expectations for the full year.

In addition to the aforementioned jurisdictions, Codere Online also operates in Colombia, Panama and the city of Buenos Aires, which are completed by the wider group’s physical presence in Spain and throughout Latin America.

During the past quarter, net gaming revenue increased 33.9 per cent to €39.1m (2022: €29.2m), while net loss narrowed to €1.7m (2022: -€6.7 m) and adjusted EBITDA losses improved to €4.5m (2022: -€9.9m), with marketing and platform and content fees comprising the lion’s share. Average monthly activities enjoyed an increase, however, first-time depositors declined.

Mexican operations saw NGR increase 51.3 per cent to €18m (2022: €11.9m) and Spain tracked a 24.1 per cent uptick to €17.5m (2022: €14.1m), however, Colombia dropped fractionally to €2.1m (2022: €2.2m). ‘Other’ regions improved by 40 per cent to €1.4m (2022: €1m).

Spain saw AEBITDA increase 58.3 per cent to €5.7m (2022: €3.6m), while all other reporting regions tracked losses despite each recording improvements. 

9

MGM Resorts International and BetMGM have launched a campaign ahead of the upcoming NFL season that will feature GameSense responsible gaming messaging inside NFL stadiums.

In total, nine NFL stadiums will be taking part in the campaign, promoting responsible gaming marketing during the season.

Those in question are Acrisure Stadium (Pittsburgh Steelers), Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas Raiders), Empower Field at Mile High (Denver Broncos), Ford Field (Detroit Lions), GHEA Field at Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City Chiefs), M&T Bank Stadium (Baltimore Ravens), MetLife Stadium (New York Jets), Nissan Stadium (Tennessee Titans) and State Farm Stadium (Arizona Cardinals).

The campaign announcement comes as Responsible Gaming Education Month is set to begin this month in the US, for which the pair have partnered with the American Gaming Association.

Commenting on the campaign, Rhea Loney, Chief Compliance Officer at BetMGM, said: “This is an extraordinary moment as we work with our team partners to raise awareness about responsible gaming. Throughout the season, GameSense will play a pivotal role in reminding football fans who bet, to do so responsibly.”

49

The Danish gambling authority, Spillemyndigheden, has successfully petitioned the district court to have 49 websites offering illegal gambling in Denmark blocked.

Those in question were reportedly mainly offering traditional casino games, such as roulette, gaming machines and poker, as well as betting. 13 were skin betting websites.

This is the ninth time that the Danish Gambling Authority has gone to court to block illegal websites, with these activities now being undertaken twice per year as opposed to on an annual basis.

Since 2012, when the gambling market in Denmark was partially liberalised, a total of 276 illegal sites have been blocked.

“It is a very important task for the Danish Gambling Authority to ensure that Danes are not exposed to gambling that is offered illegally in Denmark and that does not comply with the requirements for consumer protection, among other things, set out in the gambling legislation,” commented Anders Dorph, Director of the Danish Gambling Authority.

“At the same time, we must ensure that the gambling operators who have a licence to offer gambling in Denmark can operate on the Danish market without unfair competition from providers who do not have to live up to Danish requirements.”

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That figure includes A$2.82bn of significant items that comprise a non-cash impairment of The Star Sydney, The Star Gold Coast and Treasury (A$2.17bn), debt restructuring costs (A$54m) and redundancy costs (A$16m).

Furthermore, A$593m in ongoing regulatory and legal costs includes NICC and OLGR fines, AUSTRAC civil proceedings, unpaid NSW casino duty and costs associated with ongoing regulatory reviews.

The casino and entertainment operator has also reached an agreement with the New South Wales government to amend a proposed hike in casino tax rates.

This will result in a A$10m uplift in duty payable, however, Star suggested that the agreement is “ designed to protect the jobs of thousands of NSW team members”.

Reflecting on the group’s numerous troubles, Robbie Cooke, CEO and Managing Director, did not shy away from the challenges encountered, but reiterated confidence in its recovery strategy.

Star has previously been found unsuitable to hold a casino licence in New South Wales and Queensland and was subsequently hit with a pair of A$100m penalty packages as well as further remediation orders. 

The company was also the subject of enforcement action from Australia’s financial watchdog AUSTRAC, and counted four class action lawsuits being levelled against the group.

“To say it has been a challenging year completely understates the lived experience at The Star over the last 12 months,” Cooke commented.

“The consequences flowing from the damage to our social licence are felt daily by team members on multiple levels, reinforcing the critical need to understand the privilege and responsibility that comes with holding a casino licence. 

“The ancillary challenges that have arisen in the year, and there are many, all follow from the breaches of trust identified in the Bell and Gotterson reports. As a team we are determined to earn back the trust and confidence of our community including our regulators, governments, shareholders, employees and guests. 

“We fully understand the responsibility involved in holding our licences and are committed to transforming our leadership and culture. This journey has started and we know there is still a lot to be done. Remediation is our number one priority. 

“We have commenced the uplift in our risk management, safer gambling and AML capability and are starting to embed greater accountability and more robust governance. We have invested in enhancing our control environments and are operationalising and embedding these controls. 

“We are improving our financial crime management and our overall approach to harm minimisation. Our remediation program will track and hold us accountable to the multi-year program we are committed to delivering.” 

Group revenue through the 12 months increased 22 percentage points to A$1.86bn, with Queensland beginning the year strongly. However, the Gold Coast softened during H2 due to a general weakening in tourism, while Sydney suffered from uplifted controls (resulting in increased guest exclusions), higher levels of risk and compliance resourcing, certain operating restrictions, increased competition and weaker consumer discretionary spending.

Net profit before significant items increased to A$41m, while normalised EBITDA of A$317m, up 34 per cent, closed slightly above a guidance range of $280m to $310m.

“In terms of trading performance our statutory EBITDA for FY23 was $317m, up 34 per cent on the prior year, and slightly above the top end of the previously announced guidance range. Our statutory net loss was $2.4bn,” Cooke concluded.

“The resolution of the NSW casino duty proposed increase has removed significant uncertainty in relation to FY24 and beyond for our Sydney operation and has protected the jobs of thousands of NSW team members.”

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This has seen the third and final section of the venue’s Sky Deck, hailed as the “centrepiece of the world-class Queen’s Wharf Brisbane development” by Miles, be successfully moved into place. This also tops out the five star, 340 room Star Grand Hotel.

Following a recent delay to completion being announced by the group, Kevin Dodt, Chief Operating Officer of The Star Brisbane, has labelled this as a “defining moment for the transformational Brisbane project”.

The open-air rooftop 250m long crescent shaped Sky Deck, which the group further praised as a first for the city at the centrepiece of the A$3.6bn project, sits 100m above the Brisbane River.

This will be open 365 days a year for up to 1,500 people, and features a signature restaurant, all day casual dining, bar and events space, as well as a glass floor viewing platform.

“This is a special and long anticipated moment for Queen’s Wharf and The Star Brisbane but more widely it is a game changer for Brisbane and Queensland tourism,” Dodt explained.

“This will become one of the city’s most recognisable skyscapes elevating Brisbane’s already growing international reputation as a must-visit destination ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“Just as importantly, Sky Deck will be for the people of Brisbane as a vibrant public space to enjoy day and night, whether for important occasions, a casual catch up or just to take in the views.

“We are well underway with the internal fit out of The Star Grand hotel, which will offer direct access to one of the city’s largest ballrooms and other new, exciting entertainment, dining and tourism spaces as part of the integrated resort.

“Our city and Queen’s Wharf was featured in TIME as one of the 100 world’s greatest places of 2023, alongside the pyramids of Egypt and Barcelona, so The Star is thrilled to be further focussing the spotlight on Brisbane and our great state.” 

The integrated resort, work on which commenced in mid-2019 and is now expected to open in April 2024, will include four towers and house five and six star premium hotel brands, as well as a casino that is promised to include “world class gaming facilities”.

Furthermore, luxury retail, restaurants and bars will be fully accessible to the public, with a residential tower to comprise recreation facilities and a pool deck for residents.

The A$3.6bn project is being delivered by Destination Brisbane Consortium, a joint venture led by Star and its Hong Kong-based partners, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and Far East Consortium. 

It is expected that 1.4 million additional tourists will visit Brisbane each year when the development commences a staged opening that was initially expected to begin in late 2023.

“The Sky Deck is poised to become a tourist magnet as the centrepiece of the world-class Queen’s Wharf Brisbane development, so to be here to mark this milestone is great,” Miles commented. 

“As we move closer toward the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, all eyes will be on this city and its developments like this that will attract even more people to town to get their picture on the glass floor viewing platform, to visit a restored heritage building or have dinner overlooking Brisbane. 

“Seeing the finished Sky Deck is extra special, as the completed deck is made from Australian steel, manufactured just up the road at Beenleigh. 

“The massive Queen’s Wharf Brisbane project is delivering nearly 2,000 jobs during peak construction and 8,000 jobs in total including through the supply chain and hospitality once it’s open.” 

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The integrated resort, work on which commenced in mid-2019, will include four towers and house five and six star premium hotel brands, as well as a casino that is promised to include “world class gaming facilities”.

Furthermore,  luxury retail, restaurants and bars will be fully accessible to the public, with a residential tower to comprise recreation facilities for residents and a pool deck.

The casino and entertainment operator, whose struggles in Queensland and neighbouring New South Wales have been much publicised, vows that its Sky Deck “is set to become a major tourism drawcard”.

Robbie Cooke, Star Entertainment Managing Director and CEO, commented: “The Sky Deck will be the centrepiece for the game-changing $3.6bn riverside development. 

“It will be a must-visit Queensland tourism destination attracting millions of international and interstate visitors in the run up to the 2032 Games. Importantly, it will also be a source of immense pride for locals. 

“The Sky Deck will be a first for Brisbane. It will be open day and night, 365 days a year for up to 1,500 people as somewhere to celebrate a special event, to bring visiting friends and family or even as a meeting place for a drink after work. 

“It’s a 250m long open-air rooftop with a signature restaurant, all day casual dining and a hero bar as well as a sky-high events space and a glass floor viewing platform at the mid-way mark to further enhance the incredible views. 

“It will come to rival Australia’s most photographed iconic locations, such as the Sydney Opera House or Melbourne’s laneways, offering spectacular backdrops of Brisbane for snaps and social media posts, day and night.” 

The A$3.6bn Queen’s Wharf Brisbane development is being delivered by Destination Brisbane Consortium, a joint venture led by Star and its Hong Kong-based partners, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and Far East Consortium. 

It is expected that 1.4 million additional tourists will visit Brisbane each year when the development commences a staged opening in late 2023.

“The Star is proud of what it is delivering for Brisbane and Queensland,” Cooke added. “We are creating thousands of jobs, with close to 2000 construction workers on the site at peak and thousands through supply chains. 

“We’ve also already had hundreds of people respond to our first recruitment call out as we look to build upon our current cohort of 1400 team members that will transition from Treasury Brisbane to our new home. Like the Sky Deck itself, excitement about Queen’s Wharf is soaring.”

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Earlier in the year, the Brisbane headquartered company noted that it was experiencing a “significant and rapid deterioration” in operating conditions, primarily due to the impacts associated with a range of regulatory run-ins. 

This has previously led to the company being found unsuitable to hold a casino licence in New South Wales and Queensland. Star was subsequently hit with a pair of A$100m penalty packages as well as further remediation orders. 

The group is also the subject of enforcement action from Australia’s financial watchdog AUSTRAC, and currently counts four class action lawsuits being levelled against the group.

In its latest update, Star has notified that its 50 per cent owned Australian Wattle Development had reached an agreement to sell the Gold Coast property for A$192m to entities owned by the Karedis and Laundy families.

The pair, known through the Australian liquor and hospitality industries, will gain the property subject to approval being issued from the Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming regulation regarding the transfer of a liquor licence.

Star Entertainment noted that the sale price represents a 2023 calendar year multiple of 21x, as well as A$650,000 per hotel room.

Australian Wattle Development purchased the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Gold Coast in a A$140m deal alongside Hong Kong-based partners Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and Far East Consortium in January 2017.

Last week, Star issued an update on a previously disclosed sale and partial leaseback transaction with Charter Hall in relation to the Treasury Casino and Hotel buildings, which was first detailed in October 2021.

The property investment and funds management firm has subsequently withdrawn from the proceedings, as well as declining an extension, with conditions having not been satisfied by the relevant date under the terms of the contract.

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As financial challenges hit the Australian state, as well as the casino group, the now deferred decision was initially detailed in December to raise an additional A$364m over the next three years.  

Despite being written into the budget by NSW’s previous government, the tax increase was legislated and inherited by the current incumbents as a legacy policy upon election in March.

However, the Star has maintained its previous stance by maintaining that the proposed duty increases are flawed in their design and not sustainable.

Robbie Cooke, The Star’s CEO and Managing Director, commented: “This proposed duty increase was policy on the run by the former treasurer, was ill-conceived with no consultation and had no regard to the capacity of our Sydney operation to afford the impost. 

“If implemented as originally proposed, the additional duty would significantly challenge the economic viability of the Sydney business and put the jobs of up to 4,000 hard working Sydney employees in jeopardy.” 

The government has acknowledged an intention to pursue the legislation following the forthcoming Parliamentary winter recess, as discussions alongside casinos regarding implementation continues.

However, the operator has noted that ongoing uncertainty, as well as the prospect of an increase in casino duty rates, could have severe impacts on a current process to refinance its existing debt facilities that is currently in progress.

The Star intends to continue its engagement with the region’s treasury and government regarding the proposal.

“We will continue to engage with the new NSW government to guarantee the jobs of our team members while working hard to implement the significant reforms required to restore The Star to suitability and to ensure it remains a valuable contributor to the NSW economy,” Cooke added.

Furthermore, the group has also issued an update on a previously disclosed sale and partial leaseback transaction with Charter Hall in relation to the Treasury Casino and Hotel buildings, which was first detailed in October 2021.

The property investment and funds management firm has subsequently signalled an intention to withdraw from the proceedings, as well as declining an extension, with conditions having not been satisfied by the relevant date under the terms of the contract.

Earlier in the year, Star Entertainment witnessed plummeting finances during the six months ending December 31, 2022, as the cost of a series of regulatory reviews weighed heavily on the company.

After being found unsuitable to hold a casino licence in New South Wales and Queensland, Star was subsequently hit with a pair of A$100m penalty packages as well as further remediation orders. 

The company is also the subject of enforcement action from Australia’s financial watchdog AUSTRAC, and currently counts four class action lawsuits being levelled against the group.

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It was previously anticipated that the project would begin welcoming guests, at a rate of 1.4 million per year, during the latter stages of 2023. 

However, it has now been advised by Destination Brisbane Consortium, the privately-owned and operated joint venture between The Star and its partners Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and Far East Consortium, that a change to the expected opening date has been issued.

This comes following a review of the current construction progress, with an amended delivery timeline now placing an expected opening date to be met in April 2024.

Star CEO Robbie Cooke echoed previous statement that wide infrastructure pressure being felt across the county has had a knock on effect at Queen’s Wharf. A previous escalation in costs was also aligned to escalating construction material costs, labour shortages and supply chain challenges.

“The revised opening date follows careful consideration of current progress by our builder,” Cooke commented. 

“Queen’s Wharf has not been immune from the types of pressures that other major infrastructure projects across Australia have encountered.

“We are disappointed, but this transformational development for Brisbane has been eight years in the making already, and it will be well worth the wait. Queen’s Wharf will be a game-changer for a city that continues to attract the eyes of the world as we charge towards the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.” 

Despite this, the Star has detailed the first handover of control for an area within the construction precinct, with the keys having been received to several dining, entertainment and gaming areas on levels five and six of the resort

In addition, the third and final Sky Deck bridge was moved into place earlier this month. When completed, this will connect all four towers of the Queen’s Wharf development.

The Sky Deck will showcase a 250-metre open-air rooftop runway of bars and restaurants, provide panoramic views from 100 metres above the Brisbane River and have capacity for up to 1,500 people.

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