Earlier this week, the High Court of South Africa announced its decision to dismiss the application against the relocation of the Sun International casino to Menlyn Maine. The applicants had called for the R3-billion project to be suspended.
Sun International, a popular South African company, owner of a hotel chain and casinos, was particularly happy with the judgment. The applicants, however, stated that they are considering to take further actions.
Despite the decision of the High Court, Sun International has more legal problems to deal with. Peermont Global, owner of hotel and casino chain, and Goldrush Gaming Group, a famous provider of gaming options, are questioning the approval that the Gauteng Gambling Board gave to Sun International to relocate its operations from the struggling Morula Sun Hotel to Menlyn Maine.
According to South African legislation, the decisions that the gambling board issues can be legally challenged.
As it was announced, the construction of the hotel and casino venue will last about 30 months. And the building process is going to start as soon as all legal problems are solved.
Michael Farr, a spokesman for Sun International, stated that their casino project will be extremely beneficial to Menlyn Maine. It will not only boost the area’s economy, but will also provide residents and guests with unique entertainment options.
Mr. Farr also pointed to the fact that a wide number of jobs will be created. What is more, the project will certainly generate “more revenue for the provincial and national government by way of taxes and gaming levies.” According to Mr. Farr, the amount of R1.7 billion will be collected out of taxes during the first five years of the casino’s operation.
He shared that the Sun International project at Menlyn Maine will become the city’s icon and will definitely be instrumental in its growth and development. Mr. Farr also said that they expect the construction of the gambling facility and its first five years of operation to contribute the amount of R19 billion to GDP.
Teresa Conradie, an attorney that represents all 14 parties that oppose the relocation, stated that she was disappointed with this turn of events. She also promised that they will spend the weeks to come studying the court ruling. They will announce their further actions in January, due to the fact that some of the applicants, such as schools, churches, etc., are closed for the Christmas holidays.
Menlyn Maine, also known as South Africa’s first green city, is planned to spread over 300,000m² of land. Of these, 160,000m² are intended for commercial buildings, 85,000 m² for residential ones, 15,000m² for hotels, 35,000 m² for shopping facilities, 10,000m² for parkland, etc.
