$345 Million facelift for Gold Coast icon

Gaming and entertainment will soar to new heights on the Gold Coast with work under way on the $345 million transformation of Jupiters Hotel and Casino.

Jupiters has kicked off the massive expansion and revamp that will include a new six-star hotel tower, a boulevard of restaurants and bars, and the long-awaited overhaul of the existing Broadbeach premises.

Initial work on the centrepiece of the makeover, the stunning new hotel tower, is scheduled to start before Christmas with completion expected by late 2017, ahead of the city’s hosting of the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

The move by owner Echo Entertainment represents a massive vote of confidence in the region according to Ray White Surfers Paradise CEO, Andrew Bell.

“Echo Entertainment is a major player in the entertainment industry and they wouldn’t be investing hundreds of millions of dollars in our city if they didn’t have the belief that it will continue to grow and prosper,” he said.

“They certainly wouldn’t be spending $345 million without the firm belief they will get a good return on their investment.

“This represents another major investment in the Broadbeach precinct and comes on the back of commencement of the overhaul of Pacific Fair Shopping Centre recently.”

Construction on the first phase of the redevelopment of Jupiters, involving a new resort pool, bar and outdoor dining terrace, has started and should be completed later this year.

The gradual refurbishment of the building’s 592 existing hotel rooms is expected to take most of next year.

Echo Entertainment Group managing director for Queensland, Geoff Hogg said it was an exciting time for the Gold Coast with investment taking place across the city and 2018 Commonwealth Games preparations in full swing.

“We are thrilled to be a part of this resurgence, and will be working closely with our precinct and wider Gold Coast partners to make sure Jupiters continues to play an integral role in making this beautiful city a must-see destination,” he said.

Mr Bell said the long-awaited transformation of Jupiters would see it become the jewel in the Gold Coast’s crown.

“This will boost the Coast’s tourism stocks and create a truly world-class destination for overseas and Australian visitors.”

“The fact that it will be completed in time for the Commonwealth Games in 2018 is the icing on the cake.”