Construction work of Limassol-based casino project was restarted on May 6th following coronavirus lockdown, with the process being back on track to deliver what is set to become the largest integrated casino resort on the territory of Europe.
Melco Resorts & Entertainment, which owns a 75% stake in a Cyprus-based integrated casino resort, is developing and operating the new casino called the City of Dreams Mediterranean. The Hong Kong-based entertainment and gambling company officially revealed that work on the site resumed from where it stopped at the time when a nationwide lockdown was imposed in March 2020 in an attempt to tackle further spreading of the coronavirus infection.
Melco Resorts has explained that the health and safety of its employees are remaining a key priority of the company, so it will stick to the guidelines associated with the Ministries of Labor and Health’s protection measures for construction workers.
The Vice President of Construction at the gambling operator, Will Cornish, explained that the coronavirus pandemic outbreak may have affected the original timeline of Melco Resorts & Entertainment for the integrated casino resort, but he further noted that the project quality and the workers’ safety remain its top priorities. Mr. Cornish said that the company remained committed to its Cyprus casino project that is set to deliver a premium entertainment experience to its future customers.
City of Dreams Mediterranean Will Have Crucial Impact on Cyprus’ Tourist Sector
The Hong Kong-based entertainment and gambling company shared that it will roll out a series of strict protection measures on its own in order to further ensure the safe working conditions for the on-site employees. All integrated casino resort’s construction workers are required to present an internal health declaration and will be subject to temperature checks at the entrance of the construction site, where disinfectants and hand sanitizers are also available.
Personal protective equipment such as masks will be distributed to all workers at the integrated casino resort’s construction site and shared spaces are set to be cleaned throughout the day regularly.
Melco Resorts & Entertainment further revealed that it will educate its workers on how to comply with the protection measures associated with the coronavirus pandemic.
Melco’s Vice President of Construction explained that the company is fully aware of the role that its project is going to have in Cyprus’ tourist industry and the country’s economy as a whole, especially at challenging times. Mr. Cornish further reiterated the company’s intention to operate the integrated casino resort so that it creates a positive impact on society.
Before the delay, the City of Dreams Mediterranean that will be the biggest casino resort in Europe was set to start operation by the end of 2021. The project is worth €550 million. Upon completion, the resort will feature a gaming area of 7,500, which is set to include more than 100 gaming tables and over 1,000 slot machines. A luxury five-star hotel, meeting, conference and exhibition facilities, dining areas, etc. are also set to be available to visitors of the City of Dreams Mediterranean.
For the time being, ICR Cyprus holds a 30-year casino operating license in the country, with the first 15 years of the license being exclusive. A temporary facility in Limassol that started working in June 2018, as well as several satellite casinos in Larnaca, Nicosia, Ayia Napa and Paphos, are currently being operated by Cyprus Casinos.
