Listed hotel and gaming group Sun International and its Free State-based black economic empowerment partner, Mangaung Sun, are on track to open their new R240-million Windmill Casino and Entertainment Centre complex in Bloemfontein at the end of September, Sun International said on Tuesday.
In terms of investment, the entire complex, which includes the casino, retail centre, hotel and filling station, represents a capital injection totalling R240-million in the Free State province. This includes more than R58-million in building costs, R4-million on external infrastructure and more than R8-million on roads and parking, according to Sun International’s development manager, Phenyo Mathopa.
Mathopa said the investment has already made a significant and positive impact on the economy of the Free State and is arguably one of the biggest leisure developments ever to take place in the province. The centre is expected to add approximately R74-million to the Free State’s gross domestic product in its first year, followed by an average of R120-million over the next 11 years.
Sun International has undertaken to give preferential opportunities to Free State businesses in terms of its preferential procurement policy, which has been implemented successfully.
At the same time, Free State companies have undertaken sub-contracted work such as painting as well as in the wet trades, such as plastering and bricklaying. Local companies have also worked on the electrics, plumbing and draining aspects of the development.
The Windmill project has exceeded its empowerment targets in terms of Sun International’s preferential procurement policies and its commitment to the Free State Gambling and Racing Board. Employment was conducted through Windmill’s local community liaison officer, a database of local construction businesses and individuals interested in the project as well as Mangaung’s ward councillor and local political structures.
Up to 500 Free State residents have come to work on the Windmill site during construction on a daily basis.
“Main contract works will be 100% complete by September 12 and the Free State Gambling and Racing Board officials are on site working on the certification and testing of all gambling-related equipment,” Mathopa said.
“By the time the construction phase has been completed, we will have laid 1,13-million bricks and sunk some 2Â 195 metres of concrete. Telkom has installed the plethora of lines needed by the complex. Extensive landscaping has been done. Eskom has connected 66Kv of power to the site to serve the complex.
“The finishing touches on interior fittings and fixtures are nearly complete and all the slot machines and tables are in place.”
September will be a key month, he added, as it will see management, technology and administration teams move into the complex. Everything is on track for opening at the end of September.
The Windmill’s theme is inspired by the famous Moulin Rouge in Paris and is designed to appeal to a broad range of local and out-of-town visitors. — I-Net Bridge