PHILIPPINES – Widus to open casino in New Clark City project
New complex to have hotels and casino in US$238 million investment
The Widus Group is considering the possibility of adding casino facilities to its Hann Lux mountain resort project in New Clark City, in the Philippines, according to Group Head Daesik Han,
The Widus Group, owner and developer of the Widus Hotel and Casino at Clark Freeport Zone, in the Philippines was formally granted its “regular” gaming licence in July. For the New Clark City area.
The Widus Group announced late last month that it had signed a lease agreement with the Bases Conversion Development Authority – a body owned and controlled by the Philippine government – for the development of the Hann Lux resort. Under the terms of the agreement, the Widus Group will lease 450 hectares of land within New Clark City with an investment commitment of PHP12 billion (US$238 million).
The first phase of the project, which involves an investment of PHP5 billion and is expected to be completed in five years, will include two hotels, a golf course, and a clubhouse. Phase two includes additional accommodation under the Westin and Luxury Collection by Marriott flags, two additional golf courses, outdoor recreational facilities, villas and residences, a mixed-use commercial centre, and a 10-hectare public park. Phase two is scheduled to cost PHP7 billion.
New Clark City is located some 62 miles north of Metro Manila, and is being positioned as a new development area, to decongest the Philippines capital city, Manila.
The first hotel tower of the Widus Hotel and Casino complex at Clark Freeport Zone opened in 2008, followed by the casino in December 2009. A second tower was opened in 2012, followed by the Clark Marriot hotel in September last year.
Widus Group said in May that it had secured a PHP7-billion syndicated loan to finance the expansion of the Widus Hotel and Casino complex property, including a new hotel tower. According to the company, the fourth hotel tower consists of 380 rooms in a 19-storey structure, featuring also additional restaurants and shops.
Tower four will also feature a new casino, according to the company’s previous information. The new gaming area will have approximately 200 gaming tables and 1,000 slot machines and electronic table games.
