Federal Group unveils $70 million redevelopment of Wrest Point

FEDERAL Group has unveiled its plans for a $70 million redevelopment of its iconic Wrest Point complex - but its progress is contingent on extending the company’s gaming licence.

FEDERAL Group has unveiled its plans for a $70 million redevelopment of its iconic Wrest Point complex - but its progress is contingent on extending the company’s gaming licence.

Federal Group CEO and managing director Greg Farrell said the project would invigorate Wrest Point as a centre of entertainment and inspire a new generation of visitors.

Wrest Point refurbishment: Artist's impression of the Hotel Lobby with Birdcage Bar and internal wall gardens.

Wrest Point refurbishment: Artist's impression of the waterfront view, waterfront dining outlets, public esplanade.

“The redevelopment will establish Wrest Point as Australia’s greatest boutique entertainment destination; returning the focus to our prime waterfront location, with dedicated performance spaces, high quality dining outlets that champion Tasmanian produce, and recreate the excitement of casino gaming,” he said.

Mr Farrell said it would create a whole new look and feel to Wrest Point, and create about 100 new jobs.

However, he said Federal Group would need to extend its gaming licence in order to deliver on the proposed redevelopment.

“There is no doubt that we require certainty around the future of our operations in order to embark on a project of this size, and indeed the more than $100 million worth of development we would like to undertake throughout Tasmania, including a $20 million development at Port Arthur and $10 million upgrade at Country Club Tasmania,” he said.

“Any business and their financiers, in any sector, would need certainty around its operations in order to undertake developments of this scale.

“With a new licence, we would be able to lodge a development application very quickly.”

In the @WrestPointTas redevelopment a spiral staircase will ascend four levels through the waterfront atrium pic.twitter.com/eHEhQftRRf

— Mercury (@themercurycomau) December 15, 2015

Key features of the proposed redevelopment include:

- Public access to a boulevard walkway around the waterfront, connecting with the Sandy Bay Road pathway, allowing recreational use of Wrest Point’s waterfront parklands

- Revitalised waterfront areas and increased water access to the property from boats and ferries

- Five new dining outlets and more bars, set to be iconic venues that promote Tasmanian produce, such as seafood, steak, whiskey and cool climate wines.

- A focus on products and services that continue to build on already exceptional growth in Asian visitor numbers, including a high-quality Asian restaurant overlooking the Derwent River.

- Upgrades to the iconic Birdcage Bar, transforming it into an island venue at the centre of the property.

- A transition from three dispersed gaming areas, to a single gaming space which heroes the excitement of table gaming and has its own bar and entertainment area.

- A large skylight feature over the main gaming floor, providing views of the iconic Wrest Point tower and ensuring the gaming room is a naturally-lit, light-filled space.

- A private VIP gaming room, with a focus on international visitors and waterfront views.

- A new contemporary entry sequence, with separate entrances to the Casino and the hotel lobby. The Casino and entertainment entry is designed as a seamless transition from the outdoor walkway, with a vibrant, edgy and light-filled foyer with an interior garden.

“We see this $70 million project as foundation work for even further development of the Wrest Point master plan,” Mr Farrell said.

“We have put a lot of time, effort and resources into developing a master plan for Wrest Point, to ensure the iconic venue is best positioned to offer world-class guest experiences well into the future.

“There has been a lot of discussion lately about the future of gaming in Tasmania. We strongly believe Federal Group is best placed to manage gaming responsibly in Tasmania.”

MORE: WREST POINT’S $70m PLAY

.@WrestPointTas unveils its plans for a $70m redevelopment #tourism #tasmania #politas pic.twitter.com/nScgqI28rk

— Mercury (@themercurycomau) December 15, 2015