Nagasaki changes IR design plans
The Nagasaki Prefectural Government has confirmed there have been some changes to the original design plan for its proposed IR.
Japan.- The Nagasaki Prefectural Government has told GGRAsia that it has decided to change the plan for its proposed IR to an architectural design that uses curved surfaces in order to enhance the venue’s symbolism. It said the forecast cost of the project has not changed and remains JPY350bn (US$3.2bn)
According to local reports, the revised design was submitted to the Nagasaki Prefectural Assembly on Monday. At the latest Nagasaki Prefectural Council meeting, questions were raised over whether the city’s chosen private sector partners would be able to raise funds and form an effective consortium to develop an integrated resort.
In response, authorities said they would soon submit a draft regional development plan to the relevant committee of parliament, but there was no information on the construction of the consortium and fundraising.
In August, the Nagasaki Prefectural Government selected Casinos Austria International as its priority choice as a partner for its IR bid and the parties signed a master agreement under the name “Kyushu-Nagasaki IR”. The Nagasaki Prefectural Government has previously said it expects the IR to open in 2027 and to generate annual gross gaming revenue (GGR) of JPY150bn (US$1.37bn).
Kuwana could join the race for an integrated resort in Japan
As previously reported by Focus Gaming News, only three cities are currently expected to bid for Japan’s three possible IR licences: Nagasaki, Osaka and Wakayama. However, Kuwana’s mayor Narutaka has asked Mie prefecture. to apply since only prefectures and cities designated by law can make applications.
The mayor is said to have asked Mie’s former governor to consider Kuwana as an IR bidder in 2019 but didn’t get a positive response on that occasion.
Japan’s bicameral legislature has opened the application window for three integrated resorts licences. Cities and prefectures interested have until April 28 2022 to submit their final project proposals.
