The Auckland casino, hotel and entertainment complex of SkyCity is set to remain closed today, as firefighters are still dealing with the fire at the International Convention Centre of the operator.
Yesterday, all casino patrons, as well as the guests at the Sky Tower and the restaurants, along with the ones of SkyCity and SkyCity Grand hotels were taken away due to the fire, which broke out at the Convention Centre around 1:00 PM. The Convention Centre has been under construction.
As unveiled by the gambling and entertainment brand this morning, the Auckland casino, hospitality and entertainment complex of the company is set to remain closed until October 24th. Never before has the entire SkyCity Auckland complex been shut down, as confirmed by the casino and hospitality operator in a press release.
❗️UPDATE 10: Fire in Auckland CBD
There are currently about 80 firefighters working on the blaze.
About 20 percent of the roof is still burning. We expect the roof to completely burn out and collapse.
We are confident that the fire is contained and has no chance of spreading.
— Fire and Emergency New Zealand (@FireEmergencyNZ) October 23, 2019
The company also revealed that the firefighters would deal with the blazing fire by the end of the day, so the Auckland casino and entertainment venue could be able to start operation tomorrow. The operator has not yet estimated its financial losses from the temporary closure of their Auckland site, but SkyCity Entertainment Group’s Chief Executive Officer Graeme Stephens confirmed that the company would be affected both by the damage done by the fire and the subsequent closure of the complex.
A message from @jacindaardern to the firefighters who have been battling the blaze in Auckland.
Thanks PM! pic.twitter.com/UQkpoNRpm2
— Fire and Emergency New Zealand (@FireEmergencyNZ) October 23, 2019
As confirmed by Mr Stephens, SkyCity is trying to contain the closure to yesterday and today, so it hopes to be able to re-open the casino, hospitality and entertainment complex in tomorrow afternoon. He further noted that for the time being, it remains impossible for him to estimate what economic impact the fire and damage caused to the International Convention Centre would be at this stage.
Financial Impact of the Fire Currently Remains Unknown
The situation has definitely quite upsetting for the operator, according to a statement of Heart of the City. Immediate impacts from the fire and the following closures would be faced by many businesses in the Auckland city centre both in the shorter and in the longer-term.
SkyCity Auckland started operation in 1996. It currently hosts over 10 bars and restaurants, along with two hotels, a 700-seat theatre and a Convention Centre. To date, the venue has a workforce of about 3,500 employees.
The revenue generated by the SkyCity Auckland’s site in the 2019 fiscal year to June 2019 amounted to NZ$568 million. The gambling, entertainment and hospitality operator has revealed that its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation in the 2019 financial year rose by 2.8% to NZ$267.9 million. The venue has been the biggest earner for the group that currently has sites in Queenstown, Hamilton and Adelaide, too.
The Auckland site has seen a 4.9% growth in its gaming revenue in the fiscal year, while its non-gaming revenue remained flat.
- Author
Olivia Cole
