Australia: IPC rejected Star Casino’s plan

Star Entertainment Group had requested the approval for the $529-million development

Australia.- The Independent Planning Commission (IPC) decided to reject the plan of Star Entertainment Group of developing a new luxury Ritz-Carlton hotel and apartment tower at The Star casino complex in Pyrmont.

The IPC refused the application because they considered it would be “inconsistent with current strategic planning for the site.”

Star Entertainment Group had requested the approval for the $529-million development. The idea would have involved the demolition of part of the Star complex and the construction of a 237-metre tower, comprising a six-star Ritz-Carlton hotel and 204 residential apartments.

“We want to spend more than $500 million on helping New South Wales drive tourism,” a Star spokesperson said.

“This development would create around 1000 jobs, provide opportunities for suppliers and deliver significant economic benefits,” he added.

During the last months, there were two different positions about the new development of the tower. In one side, the construction of this new luxury hotel would increase tourism in the city. In the other side, local people argued that they would not fit with the style of the area.