Echo Entertainment Group has officially launched The Star, the new name for Sydney’s entertainment and hotel complex Star City.
The Star has been undergoing an AUD$870 million transformation that once complete will include a new harbourside glass façade, more than 20 restaurants, bars and cafes, a new luxury boutique hotel named The Darling and 16 room spa, upscale retail collection, a 4000 capacity entertainment centre and world class gaming areas.
“By forging partnerships with leading chefs, retailers, designers and entertainers, in The Star we’re creating the sort of integrated entertainment destination that will drive both domestic and international tourism,” said Echo Entertainment Group CEO Larry Mullin.
“This AUD$870 million investment will position us as a powerful force in entertainment and gaming. We’re also proud that we have been able to create 1500 construction jobs and nearly 1000 ongoing positions in one of the biggest hospitality recruitment drives this city has seen in many years,” Mullin said.
NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris, said the investment in The Star was a vote of confidence in the Harbour City, its status as Australia’s global city and its attraction to interstate and international visitors.
“I congratulate the operators of The Star, a total entertainment complex which will help propel Sydney as the premiere tourist destination not just in Australia, but in the entire Asia/Pacific area,” he said.
“The redevelopment is truly magnificent and it has transformed the venue into something of which NSW can truly be proud,” Souris said.
The first phase of The Star has included the opening of modern steak and seafood restaurant BLACK by Melbourne chef Teage Ezard and modern Milanese restaurant Balla by Stefano Manfredi.
In October, David Chang, chef and owner of New York’s Momofuku, introduces his two-Michelin star Korean dining in the form of Sei?bo, while Chase Kojima from the famed Nobu group will open a contemporary Japanese restaurant, Sokyo.
Also set to open in October is the new, 171-room boutique hotel The Darling.
Other venues scheduled to open in early 2012 and 2013 include an international nightclub and a AUD$100 million events centre which will be able to host concerts, conferences, exhibitions and 1500 seat banquet functions.