MACAU Sands China has re-started construction on its second ambitious Cotai Strip development.
Construction at Lots 5 & 6 was halted during the height of the global financial crisis, and the project’s first phase will now open in the third quarter of 2011.
The much-anticipated recommencement was clouded by vague threats from the territory’s government concerning new labour quotas and a tight cap on the number of gaming tables for the area.
"We support the table limitation approach that is being taken by the government,” said chief executive Steve Jacobs. “We think it's good for Macau because it forces the other concessionaires to invest as we have in non-gaming operations to drive their businesses forward.”
Phase one will include 3,700 rooms across the Traders, Shangri-La and Sheraton hotels, retail, restaurants and two casinos.
The second phase will open four to six months later and include 2,300 additional hotel rooms.