The Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries announced on Friday a C$30-million project for the expansion of Club Regent Casino in Winnipeg. The plan includes the addition of a boutique hotel featuring up to 150 rooms as well as two new restaurants that are to seat between 200 and 250 customers each.
The new amenities would be connected to the casino building by means of an indoor courtyard and atrium, which is to feature a Liquor Mart Express store. Furthermore, visitors would be able to buy local-made products from pop-up vendors.
The Crown corporation, with Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries being part of it, called for private-sector partners to join the development and thus, reduce the initial cost of C$60 million by half. Liquor and Lotteries officials pointed out that the money will be recovered from property rentals and land leases. In addition, the planned expansion is expected to create up to 200 part-time and full-time jobs once the new amenities open doors.
The 50,000-square-foot expansion is intended to build on the success of the Club Regent Event Centre, which opened doors last year. According to officials, the property has attracted more than 65,000 visitors to 71 different shows and events since its launch and has contributed to the further success of the gambling venue.
Winnipeg officials seem to be keen on the announced expansion. Dave Angus, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, commented that the new development would complement and diversify Winnipeg’s vibrant restaurant and hotel scene.
Marina R. James, Chief Executive Officer of Economic Development Winnipeg Inc., said that these latest enhancements would certainly attract both local and foreign tourists. Ms. James also welcomed the expansion as it would create numerous job opportunities for residents during the construction phase and once the new amenities are completed.
Construction on the 50,000-square-foot development is expected to start sometime in 2016.
Club Regent Casino is one of two casinos in Winnipeg. Both gambling venues are owned and run by the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries. The casino features more than 900 slot machines and a number of table games. Visitors can also enter weekly poker tournaments. Apart from from gaming, they are also offered a wide range of food and beverage as well as entertainment options.
