can anyone confirms that status of these projects??

Macau Egg stadium
Cultural village(i heard it's almost finish)
16 Po(whatever that is)
Fisherman's Wharfs(with a man made volcano)
Macau Venetian
Wynn Casion

any news on possible future casinos?
thanx

i found sth about Macau Venetian
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-04/01/content_1396611.htm

Fisherman's wharf
http://www.macautourism.gov.mo/english/event_en/fisherman_en.html

Cultural village
http://www.macautourism.gov.mo/image/A-Ma%20village_s.jpg
http://the-sun.com.hk/channels/travel/20040415/img/str0415a11_big.jpg
http://the-sun.com.hk/channels/travel/20040415/img/str0415a10_big.jpg
http://the-sun.com.hk/channels/travel/20040415/img/str0415a08_big.jpg
http://the-sun.com.hk/channels/travel/20040415/img/str0415a01_big.jpg

Macau Egg stadium will be completed very soon ... before the East Asia Game start in 2005

Wynn Casino - already complete and open to public in July

What skyscrapers are being built in Macau now or in future?

The Wynn Casino decides to build more than 20 hotels and casinos .. but im not sure about the heights of those buildings

One 40 stories height building (Lisboa expansion) will be build soon .. it's locate behind the BOC building

The Magnificent Court

http://www.vn.com.mo/djy_folder/view_djy/gar400.jpg

http://www.vn.com.mo/djy_folder/draw_djy/greendjy400.jpg

http://www.vn.com.mo/djy_folder/draw_djy/djy-topview400.jpg

http://www.vn.com.mo/djy_folder/pub_djy/djylobby500.jpg

http://www.vn.com.mo/djy_folder/pub_djy/djyentance500.jpg

http://www.vn.com.mo/djy_folder/pub_djy/mid400.jpg

La Oceania

http://www.quad-macau.com/mediac/400_0/media/Oceania.jpg

http://www.quad-macau.com/mediac/400_0/media/Oceania~and~Sands.jpg

http://www.quad-macau.com/mediac/400_0/media/Oceania~Plan.jpg

Tou Kok Building

http://www.quad-macau.com/mediac/400_0/media/ITK~Building.jpg

Fisherman's Wharf - expect to be open at the end of this year and it's the first entertainment center in Macau
http://www.macautourism.gov.mo/newspic/mtt/10830358392.jpg

The New Border Gate between China and Macau (Already complete in Feb)
http://www.macautourism.gov.mo/newspic/mtt/10830360100s.jpg

Macau Fisherman's Wharf complex

http://www.macautourism.gov.mo/big5/event_cn/event_image/fishmanharbour.jpg

The MOP$950 million Macau Fisherman's Wharf complex, to be constructed in the Outer Harbour, is one of the most ambitious tourist attractions ever to be undertaken in the Pearl River Delta region.

On Saturday 15th September the inauguration ceremony of this spectacular project was presided over by Chief Executive of the Macau SAR Edmund Ho, Chairman of Macau Fisher-man's Wharf Dr. Stanley Ho and Director and CEO of the enterprise David Chow in a simple ceremony which signals not only big opportunities for increasing tourism but represents a significant fillip in boosting the local economy.

The first phase - awarded recently by tender to Zhen Hwa Harbour Construction Co., Ltd., whose prime responsibilities include cofferdam wall construc-tion, offshore piling and construction of caps and tiebeams - will commence immediately, and entail 40% land reclamation of the estimated one million square feet site. The concept of Macau Fisherman's Wharf is as large as the area it will occupy and revolves around three major themes.

Dynasty Wharf, which encapsulates Chinese history and culture in the form of traditional items sold on the streets, handicrafts in the exhibition halls, and sampan and 'jumbo' seafood restaurants, will be built first.

East Meets West, the second themed 'wharf', will be constructed on mainly reclaimed land and will include a 30-metre tall man-made volcano complete with waterfalls, volcanic 'eruptions' and night-time laser shows plus large ceramic crucibles and mine carts to ride in inside for that Indiana Jones expe-rience. An African Fort will house a large variety of amusements, fun fair and playground for kids and teenagers; and the Greek Square will serve as a leisure park and performance area with banqueting facilities and ice-skating rink attached.

Legend Wharf will feature the leaning Tower of Pisa, a 16th century Portuguese restaurant, 18th century French inns and galleon museum, disco, 21st century high-tech <span id="GAMES" class=xxxxkeyword onmouseover="onmo(this);" onmouseout="inMenu=false;hide(this);">games</span> centre and a pool area complete with dolphins.

"We would like to introduce a new concept of family entertainment by bringing in new technologies in the form of theme entertainment attraction," said Dr. Stanley Ho. "<span id="INVESTING" class=xxxxkeyword onmouseover="onmo(this);" onmouseout="inMenu=false;hide(this);">Investing</span> large amounts of <span id="MONEY" class=xxxxkeyword onmouseover="onmo(this);" onmouseout="inMenu=false;hide(this);">money</span> in expertise and manpower in the development of the Macau Fisherman's Wharf, Ma-cau Tower and in the redevelopment of the Inner Harbour districts to reconstruct the old city of Macau (we are) contributing our part in the upgrading of tourism in Macau both in terms of quality and quantity."

Site investigation and soil testing have been completed, plans and drawings are almost finalized and Leighton's, an Australian firm, has been assigned the role of <span id="PROJECT MANAGEMENT" class=xxxxkeyword onmouseover="onmo(this);" onmouseout="inMenu=false;hide(this);">project management</span>. Macau Fisherman's Wharf International Investment Limited report that the total complex will be completed in 2004.

http://www.macautourism.gov.mo/newspic/mtt/10439902201s.jpg

The Sociedade de Jogos de Macau, S.A. (SJM) announced plans for a theme park to be constructed in Macau's Inner Harbor as part of 4.7 billion pataca development scheme. The 23,000-square meter area under development will comprise a public park, entertainment areas, retail space, a hotel, and a cultural activity center. The new project kicks off the redevelopment of the Inner Harbor, which although rich in historic interest, has been overlooked by developers for some time. According to SJM's timetable, the company expects the project to be completed in two to three years' time at the earliest.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on December 8 to officially begin the work on the project, dubbed Ponte 16. Officiating at the event were Lands, Public Works and Transport Bureau Director Jaime Carion, Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau President Lau Si Io, Macau Government Tourist Office Deputy Director Manuel Pires, SJM Director Ambrose So and SJM Director and Chief Operating Officer Louis Ng, as well as Chui and Associates City Planning & Engineering Consultants Ltd. President Jose Chui.

http://www.macautourism.gov.mo/newspic/mtt/9919728970s.jpg

http://www.macautourism.gov.mo/newspic/mtt/9919728971s.jpg

Media and entertainment company eSun Holdings Limited, part of the sprawling Hong Kong-based Lai Sun Group, announced on 21st February the construction of a US$40 million television production centre and tourist facility in Macau on reclaimed land between Taipa and Coloane Island in an area known as Cotai

East Asia Satellite Television (EAST) TV City will be one of the largest production facilities in Asia which, according to Mr. Ao Man Long, Secretary for Transport and Public Works, "represents an attractive and newly-emerged industry that has not only triggered the diversification of the Macau economy but will also further promote the tourist industry. At the same time, it has created a good number of job opportunities and will create more in the future."

The inaugural ceremony for EAST-TV City was held at the Macau Cultural Centre and attended by dignitaries and celebrities from Hong Kong and Macau including international actress Michelle Yeoh who is affiliated with eSun through its diversified media and entertainment holdings.

When fully operational, EAST-TV City will initially be capable of producing 5,000 hours of programming each year and will include in its production complex nine production studios, location and post-production facilities plus tourist attractions consisting of studio tours, restaurants and shops.

The state-of-the-art facility will occupy 150,000 square metres (1.5 million square feet) in Cotai City and construction is slated to begin in the second quarter of 2001. When the complex is completed in early 2003, it is estimated that more than 2,000 jobs will be created.

It is anticipated that some 300,000 tourists per year, about two-thirds of the entire population of Macau, will visit the complex.

EAST-TV City will concentrate on producing content for East Asia Satellite Television (EAST), which is scheduled to begin commercial broadcasting in early 2002, as well as content for distribution through terrestrial, cable and internet based distribution channels.

Mr. Ao said "The Macau SAR Government will remain enthusiastic towards this type of investment, streamline the administrative process and improve vigorously the local business conditions. With all these efforts, the Government wishes that, in the near future, we can work together to create a sound investment environment, foster employment and lead the overall economy to stride forward." .

http://www.macautourism.gov.mo/image/A-Ma%20village_s.jpg

Close to the world's tallest statue of the goddess A-Ma (also known as Tian Hou), which stands on a 170-metre high peak on a mountaintop on Macau's Coloane Island, a 7,000-square meter cultural complex celebrates the beloved deity's legend.

The development of the A-Ma Cultural Village was started during the Chung Yeung festival in 2001 shortly after the A-Ma Cultural and Tourism Festival of Macau. Today, construction of the Qing Dynasty-style complex is nearly finished. Surely the village, which comprises a bell tower, drum tower, carved marble altar in the Tian-Hou Palace, a dressing hall, museum and shops will attract many A-Ma devotees and interested tourists, especially those from the Mainland, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Fujian Province, where the goddess A-Ma is believed to have been born more than 1,000 years ago. Visitors approach the village by six rows of stairs carved with auspicious Chinese patterns like of the roaring tiger, the double lion, the five cranes and double phoenix that lead to the Tian Hou Palace. Plans for the future include a vegetarian restaurant and more Macanese and Taiwanese snack stalls, folk handicrafts and souvenir shops and other tourist facilities.

But there is a lot more for tourists to see when they visit the Coloane site. The village is surrounded by a park, and is reached by the Estrada do Alto de Coloane which begins just south of Seac Pai Van Park. The road leads first to the parking area for the newly-developed Recreational Fishing Zone, the Arboretum (which features more than 100 species of local and exotic trees), and the main access to the Coloane Hiking Trail. It continues on to the top of the Peak where there is another car park, the new Alto de Coloane picnic area, and the statue of the Goddess A-Ma. Visible from far out in the South China Sea, the statue crowns Coloane Peak. A-Ma is venerated by fishermen and sailors and therefore has always had a special significance in Macau.

Macau Fisherman's Wharf project is the first of its kind of theme entertainment attraction in the tourism market of Macau. Co-developed by renowned businessmen, Dr. Stanley Ho and Mr. David Chow, total investment is anticipated to reach HK$900 million. This complex will be located at Macau's outer harbour, occupying a total area of 1 million square feet, 40% of which will be reclaimed. The concept of the whole project, from the East going through to the West, is divided into 3 themed sections:

Dynasty Wharf
East Meets West
Legend Wharf

DYNASTY WHARF

Chinese history and cultures are incorporated by the classic kiosks of this section. Not only are traditional folk treats sold on the streets, handicrafts are also available at the exhibition halls. Surrounding the coast are sampans and jumbos that offer a variety of delicious Chinese cuisines and seafood.

EAST MEETS WEST

This section, mostly reclaimed, represents an intersection of the Chinese ancient culture and modern developments of the West. Three themed attractions comprise this area:

1. Volcano
This is a 30-meter high, man-made volcano with two fumaroles. Situated at the sea's edge, its appearance is entirely different between day and night. The artificial waterfall and landscaping constitute its tranquility in the daytime while the spectacular harmony brought about by the volcanic eruption and laser effects at night shows its turbulent nature. Inside the volcano, visitors can stroll about in the lava area on large ceramic crucibles or mine carts to experience the upsurge of lava.

2. African Fort
To accommodate the needs of 3-year-old kids to 16-year-old teenagers, a large variety of amusements are provided. Fun fair, kids playground and animals like camels, ponies, etc. could surely place visitors in an atmosphere of African park and bazaar.

3. Greek Square
This Square is more than a leisure park, it is also a great spot for performances. A multi-functional hall, occupying a total area of 30,000 square feet, will be constructed at its basement to provide exhibitive, banqueting and performing facilities. Moreover, ice-skating activity is added to enlarge the diversification of our amenities.

LEGEND WHARF

Seafront being its main theme, visitors are brought into a time tunnel by the various developments of this district, from the Pizza Tower of Italy, 16th century Portuguese restaurant, 18th century French pubs and galleon museum, 20th century advanced disco showroom to 21st century high-tech games center.

Not only can audiences watch the performance of dolphins at the pool area, they can also observe the posture of the swimming dolphins from the underground glass frame.

Berths at the marina is a 4-storeys' high galleon. Visitors can go abroad and study the history of galleons in its museum area. Alternatively, visitors can also keep a close distance to the sea by going on a fishing yacht or sightseeing tour to enjoy the scenery of Macau from another prospect.

PRESENT STATUS

Previously, pre-construction work of Macau Fisherman's Wharf project like site investigation and soil testing were completed. Plans and drawings are almost finalized while the role of project management has also been assigned to an Australian firm. The whole project is ready to be launched once the issue of land premium came into agreement with the Macau SAR government.

Dynasty Wharf
http://www.chowkamfai.com/web/fishman/photo/01.jpg

African Fort and Bazaar
http://www.chowkamfai.com/web/fishman/photo/02.jpg

Outdoor Café in the entrance of the Fort
http://www.chowkamfai.com/web/fishman/photo/03.jpg

http://www.chowkamfai.com/web/fishman/photo/04.jpg

Overview from Legend Wharf
http://www.chowkamfai.com/web/fishman/photo/05.jpg

Luxurious Disco with glass fiber dormer
http://www.chowkamfai.com/web/fishman/photo/06.jpg

The Galleon besides Disco
http://www.chowkamfai.com/web/fishman/photo/07.jpg

The hot lava from the volcanic eruption and the Laser Effects
http://www.chowkamfai.com/web/fishman/photo/08.jpg

Design of European Royal buildings
http://www.chowkamfai.com/web/fishman/photo/09.jpg

Design of “The International Food Plaza”
http://www.chowkamfai.com/web/fishman/photo/10.jpg

Design of the Italian Restaurant
http://www.chowkamfai.com/web/fishman/photo/11.jpg

“The International Food Plaza” along the beautiful waterfront
http://www.chowkamfai.com/web/fishman/photo/12.jpg

Entrance of the “Tram Adventure”
http://www.chowkamfai.com/web/fishman/photo/16.jpg

Greek Square
http://www.chowkamfai.com/web/fishman/photo/Square_view.jpg

the Phoenix Terrace is the highest apartment in Macau
Do you have the pic?

I have one pic i took it myself when i back to Macau on Feb ... but it's not very clear

With Macau fever burning ever hotter, more Hong Kong micro-cap stocks have joined the fray this week, announcing gambling and hotel-related ventures in the former Portuguese enclave.

The result was another explosive round of share-price gains.

Shares in travel agency and hotel operator Wing On Travel (Holdings), which is expected to buy a stake in Kingsway Hotel Macau, surged 17.86 per cent on Tuesday and a further 24.24 per cent on Wednesday before shedding 4.88 per cent to close at 3.9 cents before the share was suspended from trading yesterday.

The company said it would soon announce "the acquisition of a controlling stake in a company that has substantial interest in a hotel".

The move followed news on Wednesday of a deal between mainland property developer Lai Fung Holdings and connected company eSun Holdings to build 30 detached houses on 20,000 square metres of reclaimed land between the Macanese islands of Taipa and Coloane.

Lai Fung shares closed 3.36 per cent higher at 24.6 cents yesterday. ESun rose 14.29 per cent to finish at 52 cents.

Shares in electronics manufacturer A-Max Holdings surged 51.83 per cent to end at 29 cents before trading was suspended on Wednesday pending the release of an announcement of "price-sensitive information".

The company was reportedly seeking a minority stake in Macau's New Century Hotel.

Mobile handset and components trader Ezcom Holdings is rumoured to be setting up a travel agency in the mainland to organise tours to Macau.

The counter gained 9.21 per cent to close at 41.5 cents yesterday.

Motor vehicle wholesaler and real estate investor Victory Group climbed 25 per cent to settle at six cents on speculation that it plans to invest in hotels and casinos in Macau.

The fervour surrounding Macanese investments is rooted in the notion that tens millions of visitors from the mainland, where gambling is illegal, will pour across the border over the next few years to try their luck at the territory's famed casinos.

The speculation has spilled over into the property market. A Midland Realty report said that first-tier residential property prices in Macau had risen 50 per cent this year.

Pics and info from Guia

A1 Mocha Slot Lounge & Hotel Royal
A2 Emperor Casino Hotel (Construction)
A3 Hotel & Casino Grand Lisboa (Construction)
A4 Hotel & Casino Lisboa / Treasure Express Slot Lounge /
Crystal Palace Casino / Mona Lisa Palace Casino (Expansion)
A5 Casino Kam Pek / Mocha Slot Hall (Expansion)
A6 Hotel & Casino Fortuna (Coming Soon)
A7 Hotel & Casino Presidente (Coming Soon)
A8 Holiday Inn Hotel & Diamond Casino
A9 Macau Landmark Hotel / The Legend Club Casino / Pharaoh's Palace Casino & New Slot Hall
A10 Hotel & Casino Kingsway / Mocha Slot Hall
A11 Galaxy Waldo Casino & Hotel
A12 Hotel & Casino Golden Dragon
A13 Hotel & Casino Casa Real
A14 Jai Alai Casino / The "Pachinko"
A15 Casino Macau Palace
A16 Oriental Hotel & Casino Oriental
A17 Las Vegas Sands Casino & Hotel
A18 Macau Wynn Resort & Casino (Construction)
A19 Galaxy StarWorld Casino & Hotel (Construction)
A20 Macau Fisherman's Wharf (Construction)
B1 Porte 16 Theme park (Construction)
B2 Future Nan Van Lake Hotel & casino (Proposed)
B3 Nam Van No 12 (w/ New Yaohan (Proposed)
B4 MGM Resort & casino (Proposed)
B5 Jai Alai Casino�BYaohan re-development (Proposed)
C1 Casino Taipa & Hotel Hyatt
C2 New Century & Greek Mythology Casino (Expansion)
C3 Park Hyatt Hotel & Casino / Mocha Slot Hall (Construction)
C4 Treasure Express Slot Lounge & Golden Crown China Hotel
C5 Macau Jockey Club Casino & Grandview Hotel (Expansion)
C6 Marina Infante Casino & Pousada Marina Infante
C7 Galaxy Resort & Casino (Construction)
C8 Venetian Resort & Casino (Construction)
D1 Macau Jockey Club
D2 Macau University
D3 Theme park (Proposed)
E1 ex-Ocean World (Develop Hotel & Casino)( Proposed)
E2 Baia Esperanca (Develop Hotel & Casino) (Proposed)

http://www.guiaworld.com/share/1.jpg

http://www.guiaworld.com/share/2.jpg

http://www.guiaworld.com/share/3.jpg

http://www.guiaworld.com/share/4.jpg

http://www.guiaworld.com/share/5.jpg

The Venetian Macao
3,000 suites
source: Venetian

http://www.guiaworld.com/share/Venetian.jpg

1. Venetian Resort, Macao
2. Four Seasons Hotel
3. Far East (Dorsett Hotel), Holiday Inn Hotel , InterContinental Hotel
4. Melco + PBL ?
5. Renaissance Hotels
6. Hilton Hotels
7. Harilela Group
8. Regal Hotel

http://www.guiaworld.com/share/contaiproject.jpg

# Macao, SAR China

The science center will be located on reclaimed land on the waterfront of Macao. It will serve as an educational facility for young people in and around the region. Combined with a conference center, the science center will include 15 galleries, a planetarium, a multifunction hall, and an observation deck with a 180 view of Taipa Island.

Information
# -15,000 m²
# -Major components include planetarium, international conference center with a 500-seat auditorium, seminar rooms, and supporting amenities

Architect
# Pei Partnership Architects
# L.C. Pei, Partner-in-Charge
# Ralph Heisel, Architect-in-Charge of Design
# Peng Chan, Design Architect
# Simon Lui, Project Manager

http://www.ppa-ny.com/html/images/projects/macao/macao01.jpg

I have construction pic of Wynn, Park Hyatt, Grand Lisboa and Venetian(Aug) I will post them once I got them uploaded

^^^ thats great !! cant wait for it :)

really want to see...

Grand Lisboa
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v231/mrsunday/CIMG5543.jpg

Wynn & Starworld Galaxy
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v231/mrsunday/CIMG5547.jpg

MGM
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v231/mrsunday/CIMG5547.jpg

Park Hyatt
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v231/mrsunday/CIMG5554.jpg

Venetian
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v231/mrsunday/CIMG5555.jpg

MGM
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v231/mrsunday/CIMG5547.jpg

this is wynn macau

Park Hyatt
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v231/mrsunday/CIMG5554.jpg

the park hyatt was rename: crown macau..

great updates !! :)

Dear All,

Anyone can update me the current construction site in macau now ?
i would want to know all the construction site with the construction company.

Thanks a lots

Antony

Dear All,

Anyone can update me the current construction sites in macau now ?
i would want to know all the construction site with the construction company.

Thanks a lots

Antony

Dear All,

Anyone can update me the current construction sites in macau now ?
i would want to know all the construction site with the construction company.

Thanks a lots

Antony

its very difficult to obtain all the construction site information. there are 126 projects currently under construction now in macau an these projects includes apartments, office buildings, hotels, casinos and shopping centers.

i used to send an email to the department of city planning in macau and they said they cannot provide the information.

Park Hyatt
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v231/mrsunday/CIMG5554.jpg

the park hyatt was rename: crown macau..[/QUOTE]

this will becomes the second crown hotel after melbourne

Thanks a lots

Wynn and Starworld Galaxy
http://www.macaodaily.com/big/m21.jpg

HK Shun Tak: New Site For Macau Project After Land Swap
20 January 2006

HONG KONG (Dow Jones)--Shun Tak Holdings Ltd. (0242.HK), a Hong Kong-based conglomerate controlled by Macau casino owner Stanley Ho, said it will move its planned Cotai development project in Macau to the Cotai strip.

The company said the original site was dropped because of environmental constraints that would have hampered development.

Shun Tak, which is managed by Stanley Ho's daughter Pansy Ho, will build the project through a joint venture with Sociedade de Turismo & Diversoes de Macau, which has gambling, hotel, aviation and property investments in Macau.

Shun Tak, which paid HK$500 million for the original site, sold a 20% stake to STDM for HK$100.2 million.

The conglomerate said the location of the Cotai development, originally planned on the border of Cotai, was moved to the strip after it decided to arrange a land swap through the Macau government. It hasn't disclosed the exact location in Cotai where the project will be built.

Cotai is a new area of reclaimed land on the south side of Macau. Foreign and local investors in Macau's gaming industry hope this will be Macau's Las Vegas Strip.

Shun Tak said that because of its close relationship with STDM, it can secure the best possible terms for the lease and operation of future casino projects. Stanley Ho owns a 14% stake in Shun Tak, and Shun Tak owns 11.5% of STDM.

Shun Tak also revised its Nam Van casino and hotel project in Macau to 3.8 million square feet from 2.7 million square feet. It is scheduled to be completed in 2009.

JPMorgan upgraded Shun Tak's price target to HK$9.4 from HK$9 on news of the development Friday. Shun Tak shares closed up 3.7% Friday at HK$8.45.

The company also confirmed Thursday it had mandated HSBC Holdings PLC (HBC) to syndicate a HK$4 billion loan to fund its Macau developments.

Are there any new updates in the new projects?? Would appreciate if anyone could give information on new projects in the planning or design stage or just started construction.....

a lot of new projects but its very difficult to keep on track

The Meridian Court next to Pui Ching Middle School were topped out already and the building is 40 storey height. but i ont have any pics for the rendering, the building looked so giant when i walked pass the site. I guess the building will be complete sometime next year.

Why are there so few posts on construction in Macau ???
There are so many projects taking place.

Surely there must be rooom for people investing in property in Macau to discuss items ??

Where can we get info for property prices ??

i.e. new development that should be discussed
1. One Central (since launch in late Nov 2006, prices have risen to HKD6300psf from average of 4400psf). I may open a thread on this, but maybe in HK forum. This directly led to 25% price increase in new projects in Macau in 3 mths.
2. Nova City (prices now ave HKD2500psf). In November it was 1700-2000psf
3. Manhattan (around 2800-5k)
4. Praia
etc etc

Because each project deserves its own thread. This thread hasn't been updated for a while...:)

Hi ggaaxx !
I normally look at the Singapore threads, and they have much more discussion on property projects. Maybe with the buzz in Macau more people will start looking at these posts!!

I am a HK based investor, who now has interest in Macau & Singapore. Was going to buy in Nova city. Agent told me prices were 1700psf for 4 bedder before One Central. Was thinking about it ..... but now at 2.5k ??

At least One Central now seems to being well also with HKD6.3k psf a recent transaction !!

Wondering if there are any bargains left in Macau ???

Because each project deserves its own thread. This thread hasn't been updated for a while...:)

Guess I'll do my bit. I'll upload some pics from my investment trip to Macau soon !!!

^^
Thanks. We look forward to it.

You're right there is not much discussion in this forum but most news here should be up-to-date.

I'm no investor whatsoever, but if you're interesting in investing in Macau, make sure you know who's the construction company. There is a corruption case related to several construction companies recently. Maybe you already know all that....:cheers:

Why are there so few posts on construction in Macau ???
There are so many projects taking place.

Surely there must be rooom for people investing in property in Macau to discuss items ??

Where can we get info for property prices ??

i.e. new development that should be discussed
1. One Central (since launch in late Nov 2006, prices have risen to HKD6300psf from average of 4400psf). I may open a thread on this, but maybe in HK forum. This directly led to 25% price increase in new projects in Macau in 3 mths.
2. Nova City (prices now ave HKD2500psf). In November it was 1700-2000psf
3. Manhattan (around 2800-5k)
4. Praia
etc etc

These projects were discussed at the time they were launched! But I agree that the speculators have driven Macau prices through the roof.

All they do is buy low and when the prices go up before completion they sell hopefully for a gain. As history has shown back with the had-over, Macau is left behind with sorting out the mess i.e. property crash.

Let's be honest here, the standard of finish of these projects are often poor, look around Macau and you will see those monuments!

ggaaxx:
RU based in Macau ??? You seem to be everywhere !! And yes, I made sure mine was HK Land. However this is no guarantee - a lot of developments by HK's richest man have run into difficulties in China, Singapore, even HK.

A2ZMacau:
I think this boom is different this time. True speculators are there to make money and when things go wrong, it may be the locals have to pick up the mess (tho note, speculators can also get burnt spectacularly). Also, I think Macau has not been too affected by bubbles bursting - things eventually recover. You may get uncompleted buildings in the meantime, but they will eventually complete (look at Bangkok 97).
This is different as Macau is going thru a fundamental shift. It has a chance to catch up with HK - permanently. The class of investor is different (not much local, but very international so not in for just 1 year).
I may sympathise in that some Mecanese may complain about the price of flats, but my understanding is that most already own their own house, and that their home has gone up in value. Also, local will get an even lower unemployment rate and wages will rise, so there will be a win for most locals. Of course, income differentials may increase, but that has happened in HK and many other places (say Singapore and London, where mass-market locals cannot pay the higher prices for a nicer flat).

I have noted that finishing is poor in the oldish (even 5 yrs) developments. Possibly due to lower maintainence standards etc, and also these were completed pre-boom (i.e. built cheap, sold cheap). Also, generally, things built in boom times are worse (i.e. too much rushing, poor skills by contractors as they hire anybody).

http://www.upload-picture.com/images/onr31533.jpg
http://www.upload-picture.com/images/rqU31754.jpg
http://www.upload-picture.com/images/Rve31841.jpg
As mentioned some pics. However seem to have difficulty loading pics, so not too many.
First is a driveby so blurry. It doesn't look too large. Next is a longer distance shot. Should show the scale. Last pic is of another development,not sure which (galaxy ??) next (north west) of the Venetian. It looks almost as large.

ggaaxx:
RU based in Macau ??? You seem to be everywhere !! And yes, I made sure mine was HK Land. However this is no guarantee - a lot of developments by HK's richest man have run into difficulties in China, Singapore, even HK.

A2ZMacau:
I think this boom is different this time. True speculators are there to make money and when things go wrong, it may be the locals have to pick up the mess (tho note, speculators can also get burnt spectacularly). Also, I think Macau has not been too affected by bubbles bursting - things eventually recover. You may get uncompleted buildings in the meantime, but they will eventually complete (look at Bangkok 97).
This is different as Macau is going thru a fundamental shift. It has a chance to catch up with HK - permanently. The class of investor is different (not much local, but very international so not in for just 1 year).
I may sympathise in that some Mecanese may complain about the price of flats, but my understanding is that most already own their own house, and that their home has gone up in value. Also, local will get an even lower unemployment rate and wages will rise, so there will be a win for most locals. Of course, income differentials may increase, but that has happened in HK and many other places (say Singapore and London, where mass-market locals cannot pay the higher prices for a nicer flat).

I have noted that finishing is poor in the oldish (even 5 yrs) developments. Possibly due to lower maintainence standards etc, and also these were completed pre-boom (i.e. built cheap, sold cheap). Also, generally, things built in boom times are worse (i.e. too much rushing, poor skills by contractors as they hire anybody).

yea, just look at some of those newly completed apartments in macau, it looks so tacky

ggaaxx:
RU based in Macau ??? You seem to be everywhere !! And yes, I made sure mine was HK Land. However this is no guarantee - a lot of developments by HK's richest man have run into difficulties in China, Singapore, even HK.

A2ZMacau:
I think this boom is different this time. True speculators are there to make money and when things go wrong, it may be the locals have to pick up the mess (tho note, speculators can also get burnt spectacularly). Also, I think Macau has not been too affected by bubbles bursting - things eventually recover. You may get uncompleted buildings in the meantime, but they will eventually complete (look at Bangkok 97).
This is different as Macau is going thru a fundamental shift. It has a chance to catch up with HK - permanently. The class of investor is different (not much local, but very international so not in for just 1 year).
I may sympathise in that some Mecanese may complain about the price of flats, but my understanding is that most already own their own house, and that their home has gone up in value. Also, local will get an even lower unemployment rate and wages will rise, so there will be a win for most locals. Of course, income differentials may increase, but that has happened in HK and many other places (say Singapore and London, where mass-market locals cannot pay the higher prices for a nicer flat).

I have noted that finishing is poor in the oldish (even 5 yrs) developments. Possibly due to lower maintainence standards etc, and also these were completed pre-boom (i.e. built cheap, sold cheap). Also, generally, things built in boom times are worse (i.e. too much rushing, poor skills by contractors as they hire anybody).

Thank you for pictures as promised. There are many buildings I'm not familiar with even though I was in Macau 4 years ago. Many people from outside are eying on the Macau market right now and you're right that those construction companies are aware of that and rushing to put their properties to the market.

When I was working for a construction company there, we had one person to monitor one to two projects at the same time. And I realized it was very common in Macau back then. If it is still the way they work, with only little time and limited resources but some many projects are going on simultaneously, the quality of the constructions may just head south.

I'm not based in Macau but this is my home forum. You see me everywhere because I'd like to keep my eyes and ears, sometimes month open.:| Glad to have you here ChauTauVillager.:)

If you're investing from outside, this may be an interesting read.

Legislators demanded suspension of investment immigration programme, expressing concerns that apartments have become unaffordable among locals.

In interviews with daily newspaper Jornal Va Kio, Ng Kuok Cheong (吳國昌) pointed out that land concessions with prices much lower than market values had resulted in an increased supply in real properties, while there is no increase in cash supply.

Although this should slow house price hikes, increase in Renminbi value and economic development means that capital from mainland China may target Macau properties for speculation.

Meanwhile, Kwan Tsui Hang (關翠杏) pointed out that situation has changed since the implementation of investment immigration policy.

The original purpose of such policy was to digest the over-supplied property market. With even an old apartment unit being sold for MOP 1 million, and criteria for investment immigration also at MOP 1 million, it will only result in poor quality investments.

She also expressed concerns that Macau's social infrastructure cannot cope with the load of these new immigrants.

She said that more social and economic housing are actually needed for local people, especially young people, but easy home-buying schemes for immigrants means that inequality exists between the locals and people from outside Macau, exacerbating the dissatisfaction of locals on the Government.

Jornal Va Kio also reported that the Government is "likely" to review existing investment immigration policy.

source (http://macau.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2007/2/9/2720296.html)

Back frm CNY. Wishing everyone another great year !!1

I don't think the immigration policy will stop with the new jobs to be needed (businesses will demand it !). However, I can see the entry price raised as 1m MOP is low !!

If they raise it to 2-3M, I wonder if that means people will buy more expensive housing ?? I doubt they will by 2 or 3 1m MOP instead.

Since I now qualify for this immigration policy, I'm wondering if I should apply ... Not sure if there are substantial benefits for me as I have HK and overseas passports already, but for China residents there are bonuses for sure (better visa free access, double taxation policies on investments in China etc).

Also, re construction, pls see thread on One Central. Have posted some pictures of the model of Macau peninsula, and it looks great !!

Where do you live most of time? I know public health care used to be good in Macau, but don't know about now. I agree the immigration policy mainly targets the people from mainland.

Where do you live most of time?

Am a HK based investor fm the UK/HK. Used to go to Macau for the food !!
Cheap, excellent. With the new casinos, food is prob better (several Michelin ranked chefs opening shop there recently). Tried Wynn food when last went there.

Food is now expensive at these new places (same as 5-star HK hotels).

Am invested in Macau, and interested in the property sector due to the Casinos. This followed something similar I did in Singapore as they are also building a casino. Re: casino's though I gamble a bit, don't really like them. So last trip I lost, but expect to gain much more later elsewhere !!

I hope and believe Macau will become a much better destination, away from just gambling.

MACAU STRIP

http://img396.imageshack.us/img396/8200/macaustripiq4.jpg

MGM MACAU

http://img396.imageshack.us/img396/9864/mgmmacaudj6.jpg

WYNN MACAU

http://img396.imageshack.us/img396/7113/10971333640sfy3.jpg

VENETIAN MACAU

http://img396.imageshack.us/img396/9999/venitianmacauyt7.jpg

Do you know if those companies are relocating people from Vagas to Macau, ALKUN?

Do you know if those companies are relocating people from Vagas to Macau, ALKUN?

ggaaxx
I'm sure some people will get relocated, it'll be a matter of how many. Probably not that many, and mainly sr management. I'd guess middle managers will need to speak English, Mandarin and Cantonese (or at least 2). And there have been a large no of ads in the SCMP for MGM amongst others.
Since Macau's working population is about 250-300k, and that Sands plans to employ 75k, and employment at a low, there will be a demand of more immigration.
Also, noted a young married couple, Chinese w/ US accents buying a large unit in One Central. I think there are going to work in Macau casinos.
Hence there should be a large demand for Chinese overseas in the casinos for middle management roles. Heard they are looking at Philippines (English speaking) also. Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia are also likely candidates (due to Chinese content). Noted that Macau holding a roadshow in Indonesia to attract high-fliers to Macau (5% out of 200m are Chinese, and they tend to be rich, and they can also offer jobs to the less well off).
For lower management, I'd guess HK is also a likely market. A lot of HK'ers have already gone to Beijing (for the Olympics) with the hotels being revamped, and HK has the expertise in this field (ie Hotel, Interior Design, restaurants). General staff will come fm Guangdong province and HK.

Do you know if those companies are relocating people from Vagas to Macau, ALKUN?

Well I work for the MGM Company and We do have the option to request for a transfer to Macau.
So yes we can relocate to Macau . Of course They will need people who can speak the language but it depends on your job position.
That is great.:)

ggaaxx
I'm sure some people will get relocated, it'll be a matter of how many. Probably not that many, and mainly sr management. I'd guess middle managers will need to speak English, Mandarin and Cantonese (or at least 2). And there have been a large no of ads in the SCMP for MGM amongst others.
Since Macau's working population is about 250-300k, and that Sands plans to employ 75k, and employment at a low, there will be a demand of more immigration.
Also, noted a young married couple, Chinese w/ US accents buying a large unit in One Central. I think there are going to work in Macau casinos.
Hence there should be a large demand for Chinese overseas in the casinos for middle management roles. Heard they are looking at Philippines (English speaking) also. Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia are also likely candidates (due to Chinese content). Noted that Macau holding a roadshow in Indonesia to attract high-fliers to Macau (5% out of 200m are Chinese, and they tend to be rich, and they can also offer jobs to the less well off).
For lower management, I'd guess HK is also a likely market. A lot of HK'ers have already gone to Beijing (for the Olympics) with the hotels being revamped, and HK has the expertise in this field (ie Hotel, Interior Design, restaurants). General staff will come fm Guangdong province and HK.

As much as I like Macau, I could not live there, its too small and getting too crowded for my liking. I am fortunate though that I can fly for less than US$40 one way and still can enjoy the beaches and more in Thailand!

However, must say I am long overdue for a update visit to Macau:banana:

It cost me that much for a return trip from HK!!! Where can you find such a cheap price for Thailand ??
Sure they'll reduce arrival tax/price etc with pressure fm the new investors...
Agree, not sure if I'd stay long run. No nice beaches etc...

A2Zmacau is making us jealous here. US$40 ticket is insane!

I haven't swum in the beach there for a while either. Last time was like in my junior high years. I still go for the Barbecue though. Beaches in the Philippines, Thailand, etc. are just nicer.

Oops, forgot the tax etc. still cheap though. Without tax $62.

Total Cost of Return Flight 4,780 THB = US$140 for return.

Now if I just could find the time :lol:

Cheers,

Bert

I hope that I am not asking too much, but could somebody take a picture of the MGM Grand Macau every month (until it is completed)? I really want to follow its construction progress. Thanks.

MGM Grand Macau, March 2007

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e307/bigphilip/Macau/MGMMacau200703-1.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e307/bigphilip/Macau/MGMMacau200703-2.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e307/bigphilip/Macau/MGMMacau200703-3.jpg

Great pics. Esp the comparison with model. Was in Macau today and also noted they've just put up some of the third band at the top (gold colour). How did you get inside !!

Also saw Venetian. In 4 months they've also done loads.... the outer structure of main building now finished, and a lot of the surrounding area. It is now beginning to really look the part, and looks like they can open by then. However since it is so massive, there's still lots to do and I can't see the interior. It is really impressive !!

^ChauTauVillager,

The pictures I got are from MGM Mirage Investor Relations, I live in the U.S. However, I would really apreaciate if someone living in Macau or Hong Kong can take a picture of the projects every month (or whenever you visit Macau) because the pictres will be more up-to-date.

If you have taken pictures of MGM and Ventian when you visit Macau yesterday, please share them with us. Thanks ! :)

the facade colors of MGM Grand are very attractive, thanks for sharing the pics philip,

MGM GRAND , will look really great when finished.

Some pics taken at the end of March when I last visited, esp for Phillip !!
Looks like the MGM photos are quite up to date, with only a little bit further done.

http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/2672/img0753pv9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Second pic taken on same day is along the lake next to One Central Residences, with Grand Lisboa almost completed (nb Casino at lower floor open). Left is Bank of China, Right is part of Wynns.
http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/8435/img0756bn4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

^Absolutely Magnificent!!! Thanks, ChauTauVillager.

I just noticed that the color on MGM Grand is "Gold, Silver, and Copper", the 3 major mineral elements (coin/currency) identified and used by ancient China. I sure wish this place will become a money-making machine!!

Bonus picture of MGM Grand Courtyard:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e307/bigphilip/Macau/courtyardmodel.jpg

Fm memory, pic of MGM taken next to Wynn, so I believe the cranes on the right should be One Central Residences. I think the road is the 'back' or side entrance, where the tourist coaches should arrive. The lower levels at the front was also unfinished at the time.
Compared with the Venetian, there was more progress there with the main building completed and unravelled. Likewise, the lower levels were still in progress (though a small part, possibly 10% of the ground level facade was basically complete). Based on this, The Venetian should be more advanced (opening due 3Q 2007). However, Venetian is a huge site so it may be hard to tell which will open first.
As mentioned, in 4-5 months (since Nov), the Venetian has moved quite considerably as work apparently is going on 24 hours a day. I know there is a major convention/fair in October 2007, so for sure it will open before (July/August ??). Likewise the MGM did not have any cladding back in November.

ps just noticed. The pics of MGM courtyard ... looks very similar to the small finished part of the Venetian ground level also ... Very Italian (or Portugese or Mediterreanean). Maybe one of the casino's should open something more original also (maybe Emperor's Forbidden Palace !!), or Great Wall of China rising next to the Luxor ??

The pics of MGM courtyard ... looks very similar to the small finished part of the Venetian ground level also ... Very Italian (or Portugese or Mediterreanean).
Based on my observation of architectural details, the courtyard of MGM is more Portugese which fit the theme of the former colony very well.

And now, for comparison, The Venetian, and Galaxy, taken end March.

Sorry about quality, weather wasn't good (like HK, doesn't seem to have many days of good weather anymore). Also taken in a taxi-drive by.
http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/86/img0761zv9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
This pic shows the true size of this project. Note the surrounding built up area is massive compared to the huge main building. Probably 8 times the size of Wynn's or MGM Grands land area. Believe something like 4m sq ft (1m for MICE, 1m for shopping with I believe main block 3000 hotel rooms (biggest in world) etc). There is nothing like this in HK or likely Europe this size.
http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/5769/img0764iq7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Shows part of the completed lower area facade. Very Italian.
http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/2424/img0770kq0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Front entrance, with some Roman statues in place.
http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/2206/img0765eu5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Finally, the Galaxy (?) mega project, with completion later than Venetian. This one is also massive, but probably 1/2 Venetian ?, but more than double existing Wynn's and MGM Grand. They are next to each other.

I still don't know how Venetian Macau plans to fill all that 3000 rooms. Leisure travelers can stay in a hotel in Hong Kong or downtown Macau or even in the nearby China, so Venetian needs to attract conventioneers. But will they really be able to host enough conventions year-round? Hong Kong has many and well-designed convention facilities and better transportation infrastructure, so the two cities will be in direct competition with each other in this regard.

Second, many business travelers in Asia stay in budget hotels, so why would they choose to stay in a 5-star Venetian when they come here for conventions. I don't think most companies in China will pay to have their employees stay in an ultra-luxury resort during business trip.

Just saw some info, I may be wrong, it could be 4000 rooms (managed by Starwood), plus other hotels for a total of approx 20k rooms in 2-3 years.

They're targetting some conventions plus events (NBA, soccer). I know there is a trade fair 18-20 October 2007, plus a few others later (at least 5 other). According to some of the blurb, hotel rooms are much cheaper in Macau than the fairs in HK (true at any time of the year) and in Quangzhou (true during fair season). Of course, China exhibitors can stay in Zhuhai, even cheaper. The Canton Fair is a huge event held semi-annually.
They are competing with HK on this regard, and if you also plan to do shopping/gambling, then at least 1 night stay will be needed. The ferry takes too long (easily 3-4 hours round-trip in time) and cost almost HK$400 (USD50) each. If you have 2 people, this can easily cover a cheap hotel. In fact, people may stay in Macau with its budget airfares/hotels and pop over to HK for the day trip.
Plus 4m sq ft of luxury shopping on stream soon. This is apparently the same as HK total. These are the things that caught my eye, and feel that Macau will compete with HK in these aspects, including eventually property. Of course, you can also see it another way - once there is a bridge to HK, Macau (and Shenzhen/Dongguan/Zhuhai) may be considered 'Greater HK', a single supercity or region with finance/HQ (in HK), entertainment/leisure/back office (Macau) and manufacturing (other nearby cities).

http://www.galaxyentertainment.com/uploadedfiles/en/photos/media/library/mega/photo03.jpg
Just checked details on Galaxy Mega-resort for comparison...
Due in 2008.
Now you can compare with above pics !!:cheers:
http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/2206/img0765eu5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I guess this block is same perspective, on the right, with the second on the left, just beginning - Didn't realise it was two blocks !! So it makes it about the same size as Venetian ??

The size should be about right according to A2ZMacau's map

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=460969

The design of the buildings doesn't look very special.

The Galaxy Mega-resort really takes up a lot of land ..

From MGM Mirage's Investor Relations:
It may not be the mot recent picture, but it is taken from a different angle. You can see the glass atrium in the middle.
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e307/bigphilip/Macau/MGMMacau20070509.jpg

What will the roof be like ? Will the pools be there ? I have a unit that will partly look that side.
Anyone know how many floors on the lower building ? (looks like at least 3, maybe 5 ?). I presume these levels will all be gaming areas ??

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e307/bigphilip/Macau/MGMMacau20070522.jpg

Anyone got further pics of other projects ???
Venetian must be getting very close to completion now...

Here you go, ChauTauVillager.

Photos taken in May 2007. Not the most updated photos, but still nice :)

Venetian Macau:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e307/bigphilip/Macau/Venetian200705-1.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e307/bigphilip/Macau/Venetian200705-2.jpg

Four Seasons Macau (Next to Venetian Macau):
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e307/bigphilip/Macau/4Seasons200705-1.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e307/bigphilip/Macau/4Seasons200705-2.jpg

Nice shots, thank you. Is City of Dreams making any progress?

Nice!!!!!
How Philip took photos inside??
And i hope to see the photo of Grand Canal that has filled in water...

Phillip. UR absolutely fabulous !!!!
Take it the last one was Four Seasons - didn't realise they had even started !
Last time I saw the Venetian, saw only one of the ground floor buildings partly completed !!
CTV

Thanks you guys for the compliments. Since you have been very supportive of my contribution, here are a few more photos in higher resolutions. Enjoy the pictures !

These are the exterior and interior shots of the Venetian Macau.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e307/bigphilip/Macau/Venetian20070604-1.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e307/bigphilip/Macau/Venetian20070604-2.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e307/bigphilip/Macau/Venetian20070604-3.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e307/bigphilip/Macau/Venetian20070604-4.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e307/bigphilip/Macau/Venetian20070604-5.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e307/bigphilip/Macau/Venetian20070604-6.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e307/bigphilip/Macau/Venetian20070604-7.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e307/bigphilip/Macau/Venetian20070604-8.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e307/bigphilip/Macau/Venetian20070604-9.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e307/bigphilip/Macau/Venetian20070604-10.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e307/bigphilip/Macau/Venetian20070604-11.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e307/bigphilip/Macau/Venetian20070604-12.jpg

Night shot was very interesting - the Venetian looks very lonely now, but you can imagine the rest of it filled up. It'll look like Vegas when it happens !

They've done a most of the interiors - guess they're opening soon !

Night shot was very interesting - the Venetian looks very lonely now, but you can imagine the rest of it filled up. It'll look like Vegas when it happens !

They've done a most of the interiors - guess they're opening soon !
is the venetian gonna be all suites, like the one in vegas?
and will the club Tao be there?

OOOOOH!!!
Thanks Philip so much!!
Today i am so excited to see so many excellent photos in Venetian!!!!

The club in Macau Venetian is Buddha-bar

The interior looks gorgeous, hopefully everything can be done on time.

From MGM Mirage's Investor Relations:
It may not be the mot recent picture, but it is taken from a different angle. You can see the glass atrium in the middle.
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e307/bigphilip/Macau/MGMMacau20070509.jpg

OMG I like it!

Venetian Hotel will open for Man Utd players next month...

Venetian Hotel will open for Man Utd players next month...

And bookings for rooms beginning of Sep. Special offer price of HKD1008 per suite excl 15%, book before 31 July for this promotion.....

.... Thinking about getting one !

MGM Macau in July, 2007. The unique 3-strata facade seems to have been completed.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e307/bigphilip/Macau/MGMMacau20070713.jpg

Does anyone know if they've finished the foundations, started the superstructure of One Central, and if so...
Pics please !!!
:)
Thanks

Also, anyone interested in a SSC party/drinks on Venetian opening on 29 August ??? (yes, I know, official opening is 28 August, but you can't book a room then and it'll be crowded). Thinking about booking a room then !!

Construction Progress:
Photos taken on 7/28:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e307/bigphilip/Macau/P1080473.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e307/bigphilip/Macau/P1080482.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e307/bigphilip/Macau/P1080485.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e307/bigphilip/Macau/P1080486.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e307/bigphilip/Macau/P1080488.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e307/bigphilip/Macau/P1080490.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e307/bigphilip/Macau/P1080504.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e307/bigphilip/Macau/P1080493.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e307/bigphilip/Macau/P1080501.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e307/bigphilip/Macau/P1080426.jpg

Nice shots, Thank You! I wonder how the new Wynn Diamond Tower is coming along?

Hi, thanks for the nice pics. Any chance you can take more pics for Venetian Macau?

Hi, thanks for the nice pics. Any chance you can take more pics for Venetian Macau?
Sorry, may have to wait a few months. I don't live anywhere near Macau.

Nice pics again Philip.
Do I see bits of One Central Residences going up ?? Any clearer pics ??

And is anyone interested in a SSC party when Venetian opens ?? Have booked room for Friday after opening !!

Wow, how much $ did you pay for the room? And what kind of room did you book?

Have got the larger suite (1700 sf !!) this time !! They have a promotion, price is HKD2688+15% taxes etc. Sunday-Thurs price would be cheaper at 1688.
Normal suites (700+ sf) promo price is only 1088+tax (1688 on Friday).
Thought go for the full treatment this time, and taking the kids.

Promo last til end of this month. Noted room not available online for 28, 29, 30 August (booked out), but first weekend still OK.

why do they start charging tax separately? Sounds wierd in Macau.

awesome pics.

all 3000 rooms booked out? that is amazing

Anyone know about these project

竣悅軒
http://image.o.cn//upload/map/entity/9/20070711/7043382.jpg

帝庭軒
http://image.o.cn/upload/map/entity/9/20070710/6416948.jpg

Ohhhhh, so the "Gold, Silver, Bronze" building is the new MGM Grand! Was wondering what it was when I went to Macau last week. Great shots. :)

Anyone knows about the Wynn Diamond Suites hotel tower? It looks hugely similar to the existing tower. Looks like this tower may double the number of hotel rooms in the Wynn Macau.

Wynn diamond, I think, is going to be a totally different building, much bigger according to Mr Wynn.
It will be 'right up' the nose of its competitors (MGM, Lisboa etc). Haven't seen design yet, but think they'll fully use the space this time and taller than the 17 stories of existing bldg...

http://macaudailyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/01/wynn-twin.jpg

The Wynn Diamond Suite will be the same as the original Wynn Hotel if the above proposal is used, there will be no differences in height, or number of rooms etc (maybe just a slightly change).

I think the plan is old, given what's happened in Macau....

During a conference call after 1Q207 results .....

Looking ahead, Wynn expects to open his new Diamond Casino in September, on the first anniversary of the Macau resort's opening. At a later date, the Diamond Suites tower will be unveiled with ten suites across each of the 40 floors, the smallest being 1,000 square feet. The entire tower, he says, will include some new retail outlets, two restaurants and two VIP casinos with 14 or 15 tables each.

“They're right next to the back door and the side door entrance of MGM. We want to cuddle up to our neighbors that we love and respect, so we’re putting those VIP casinos right there. And that side entrance, that side of our hotel which is the south side is the scene now of the new MGM hotel, which we’re hoping is going to be a standout, and also Pansy Ho is building a Mandarin Oriental that doesn’t have gaming that opens on to the same plaza. And Angela Ho and her group are doing a New World building. On our anniversary on September 6, we will have a huge blowout event.”

...... Looks like more than double existing 17 stories, and I think they'll build a large, standout building... Also, looks like the exising works does not fit in with plan. There should be an announcement soon according to above conference call...

Harrah's coming to Macau...

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/newstex/AFX-0013-19537872.htm

Harrah's coming to Macau...

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/newstex/AFX-0013-19537872.htm

HURRAY FOR HARRAH'S!!! The land is as big as Venetian (with all phases, incl 20k hotel rooms done !!). That means double !!!

And LV Sands rose 15% in past 2-3 days also, to (I think) and all time high. Analysts have upgraded forecasts for LVS due to better than expected results all round (guess means visitors, hotels, conferences, and prob gaming). I hear payback on USD2.4bn maybe less than 2 years....

That means you may be making a profit of USD1bn per year... Guess why Harrah really really wants to get in. And looks like whole of Cotai is now 'sold' so they have to get the golf course.

Galaxy Entertainment Group yesterday unveiled plans for 12 casino hotels and serviced apartment blocks totalling 8,500 rooms on Macau's Cotai Strip, a project expected to cost more than US$3 billion.
Galaxy said its 4.7 million square foot plot next to Las Vegas Sands Corp's newly opened Venetian complex would be developed to include 1.4 million sqft of retail space - twice the size of Pacific Place - and 750,000 sqft of convention and meeting space, equal to the total rentable area of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai.
The company's planned 700,000 sqft of total casino space on Cotai compares with the Venetian's 546,000 sqft gaming floor, the world's largest single casino.

The Standard
Peggy Chan

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Galaxy Entertainment Group (0027), which operates five casinos in Macau, said yesterday that first-half net loss narrowed to HK$267.8 million from HK$734 million as sales soared, even though heavyweights such as the Venetian Macao muscled in on the gambling turf.
Chairman Lui Che-woo said there was no loss in customer flow nor revenue since the opening of the Venetian.

"Galaxy still owned over 20 percent market share in the first half," he said, adding that small- scale casinos with stable customer sources can survive in Macau's gambling market.

Official data show that casino revenue soared 41.8 per cent in July to 6.52 billion patacas (HK$6.33 billion), following a record 7.47 billion patacas in May.

Galaxy's loss included HK$693 million non- cash depreciation and amortization charges for acquiring a 97.9 percent stake in Galaxy Casino in 2005 for HK$18.4 billion from the chairman.

Galaxy did not propose an interim dividend.

Revenue skyrocketed to HK$6.33 billion after it opened four more casinos in Macau.

Deputy chairman Francis Lui Yiu-tung refused to forecast whether Galaxy can make a turnaround for the whole year, but predicted that the flagship StarWorld Hotel, which opened in October last year, will continue to perform strongly. "The return on equity of StarWorld Hotel reached 36 percent, generating HK$3.64 million revenue," he said. "We will increase the number of VIP gaming tables from 55 to 70 shortly."

Lui denied reports of any delay in the Cotai Mega Resort, say it was set to open next year.

Galaxy closed at HK$7.84, down 0.13 percent.

I wonder why the casinos in Macau are a lot larger that Las Vegas's casinos.

One of the reasons: Macau has a huge back yard of the great Mainland China and a nice water front of the east Asia.;) There are lots of people and high rollers.:bowtie:

I wonder why the casinos in Macau are a lot larger that Las Vegas's casinos.

Only Venetian Macau is bigger than Vegas one; Wynn Macau is actually smaller than Wynn Vegas.

When construction at the Venetian Macao complex is over, there will be 20,000 rooms and over 10 hotels and service apartments on the ground.
The next phase will see the Four Seasons. The group is waiting for the completion of its 400-room hotel.
The Las Vegas Sands is the owner of all properties; the Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts will manage the facilities, just like the other hotels on the list: Shangri-la, Traders, Hilton, Conrad, Fairmont, Raffles, Swiss Hotel, the InterContinental, Holiday Inn and the Cosmopolitan. All properties will be connected by enclosed pedestrian walkways.
The Venetian complex on COTAI is divided into lots: one for the Venetian Macao, the second for Four Seasons, the third lot for the Holiday Inn and group, lots 5 and 6 are for the Sheraton, Shangri-la and St. Regis; the latter two are due to open in 2008. Lots 7 and 8 are for the Hilton, Conrad and Raffles groups. The first ones are supposed to open next year.

Four Seasons
The Four Seasons hotel will extend into the mall with luxury shops and casino area will be operated by LVS. It will approximately 50 tables and 300 slot machines. Apart from hotel rooms, there will be 600 vacant serviced suites, restaurants, spas, meeting spaces and pool bar and grill. A nightclub is part of the project, as well as several lounges. April is set as the opening month.

The biggest Sheraton in the world
The Sheraton Macao Hotel will be located within two towers rising 39-floors and will have around 4,000 rooms. It will be the biggest hotel of the Starwood Group. There will be five restaurants and over 140,000 square feet of meeting space, one health club in each tower, a spa and two outdoor swimming pools.

St. Regis
The St. Regis Hotel will feature around 450 rooms, four restaurants, a meeting place and a spa, Rem�de. The St. Regis Residences, on the other hand, will feature over 400 residential units, ranging from one bedroom to four bedroom apartments, with a residence only swimming poll and its own health club. The residences will offer butler services, known as a trademark of St. Regis.

Shangri-la Hotel
The Shangri-la will offer 600-rooms with an average of 55 square metres each. There will be several Horizon Club floors with the famous exclusive privileges - from concierge services to complimentary meeting space. The hotel is planning to offer a Chinese restaurant and an all-day cafe serving Macanese and Japanese cuisine. Recently, the Shangri-la Hotels and Resorts opened a toll-free telephone number for customers calling to make reservations from Macau.


Traders Hotel
Traders Hotel, for lower budgets, will provide 1,200-rooms and will occupy the other tower. Its tower will include another casino, run by LVS, a performance hall and another large retail shopping mall.


by Joyce Pina

You sure on the Sheridan, having 4000 rooms? It don't look any larger than the St Regis, or Shangria-la, mabye it was 400 rooms?

You sure on the Sheridan, having 4000 rooms? It don't look any larger than the St Regis, or Shangria-la, mabye it was 400 rooms?

I am not sure but I don't think it is 400. It clearly stated that it is the biggest Sheraton in the world; 400 is too small to be the "biggest".

It's definitely approx 4000 rooms. This is the figure given in press relases by Venetian and Starwood. Some websites have said this is the biggest hotel in the world. However, believe Las Vegas has a 5000 room hotel opening sometime (which will be the worlds largest). Not sure if Sheraton will get this title in-between, but definitely will be the Asia's biggest.

It was straight to business from the get-go at this year’s Macao International Trade & Investment Fair (MIF), with Macau and Zhuhai signing a US$4 billion deal to build a Japanese theme park in Zhuhai on Thursday, October 18.

Destination Macau has learned that Japanese movie production company, Micott & Basara Inc. are partnering with another major Japanese company to open a theme park in Zhuhai. The location and name of the “famous” Japanese partner has yet to be announced.

Charles Choy, general manager of the Vaian Group (International) Co. Ltd., which exports organic food from China to Japan and other parts of the world played a role in making the Japanese theme park entry into Zhuhai happen.

“The concept of a theme park is different from that of the U.S., so we’re talking more about a marque with a shopping mall; three- or 4-D theaters and a ferris wheel,” Choy says. “I can’t tell you where it’s going to be just yet in Zhuhai, but not in Hengqin for sure, as that area is too sensitive.”

In related MIF news, the Australians, Americans, Canadians, Germans and British were out in full force at the show. The Australian Trade Commissioner told us we could expect an Australian Chamber of Commerce to open a branch in Macau by the end of this year as the Australian population continues to expand, particularly with the development of the City of Dreams on Cotai.

Source: Destination Macau

Casino resort developer urges Macau to allow transactions of serviced flats in Cotai

By Sandy Li, SCMP, Property P1, 24 October 2007

Casino and resort developer Las Vegas Sands Corp has petitioned the Macau govenment to lift the ban on the sale of serviced apartments at its Venetian Macao development on the Cotai Strip. If it succeeds, it could trigger a flood of serviced apartments on to the market. Under existing rules, land reclaimed in the Cotai area is set aside for casino and hotel development - a policy aimed at transforming Macau into the Las Vegas of Asia. Strata-title sales of apartments in developments are prohibited.
If the US entertainment giant succeeds in persuading the government to relax the rule and allow such sales, an estimated 15,000 luxury serviced apartments in the Cotai Strip could be put on the market over the next several years, according to agents. Current proposals on the drawing boards of developers indicate plans to bring about 30,000 hotel rooms to market in Cotai by 2010. But if the ban on the sale is lifted, some developers may decide to convert half of those proposed hotel rooms into serviced apartments to cash in on the booming residential market agents say.

Last month, units at One Grantai, the latest luxury residential project at the northern end of the Cotai Strip were being sold for HK$8,700 psf, a record high in Macau. Stephen Weaver, senior VP of Asian development at the Venetian Macao, said the firm had proposed selling serviced apartments at its resort to buyers who would only use them for short holiday periods and rent them out when they were not there. Mr Weaver said the firm was still waiting for a decision from the government. The company had no timetable for a launch, he added. The Venetian Macao casino resort includes a 400-room Four Seasons Hotel and 300 luxury serviced apartments, also managed by Four Seasons. The Four Seasons is part of a planned 3000 hotel rooms that will make up the Venetian resort.

Andrew Pang, executive director at Knight Frank, said the Venetian's proposal would be similar to the concept of 'condominium hotel' in which each unit is a condo with full hotel amenities - a common investment product in the US. The sale of serviced apartments in such condo hotels is commonly secured by arranging an equity transfer in a company in which the principal asset is the hotel.

In addition to the Four Seasons apartments, Mr Weaver said St Regis would also manage some units, but the design of these apartments had not yet been finalised. At the same time Las Vegas Sands is spending more than USD11 billion developing 13 additional casino hotels on Cotai, where its own projects will offer a total of 20,000 hotel rooms. Agents said tens of thousands of serviced apartments were also on the drawing boards of other casino operators, such as Melco PBL, which would spend US$330m constructing 800 serviced apartments and a hotel tower attached to its City of Dreams casino resort. The serviced apartments are scheduled to be completed in 2009. Galaxy Entertainment Group last month unveiled plans to invest USD3 bn-plus in 12 hotels and serviced apartment blocks totalling 8,500 rooms on Cotai, while e-Sun Holdings is leading a consortium that is developing the USD2.2bn Macau Studio City casino resort to the south.

"Venetian will set an unprecedented trend in selling such products if the Macau government approves," said Johnny Lai, deputy GM at Colliers International. The Four Seasons apartments would achieve prices of more than HK$10,000 psf, said Mr Lai.

Jeff Wong Chi-Wai, head of Macau residential at Jones Lang LaSalle, expressed concerns that financing costs might be more expensive than for the purchase of conventional residential units. Buyers might need to apply for project financing, he said, which might be charged at higher interest rates than mortgage loans. "These products will probably be targeted at the super-wealthy on the mainland and in Taiwan who regard Cotai as a hot spot for high rollers," he said.

Sources said developers at the Cotai Strip had been asking for a relaxation of the sales' ban for years. "Its hard to guess whether the petition will succeed. Developers were hopeful, but since last year's corruption cases, new policy and land deals have dried up," said a source.

Table: New hotel projects in Cotai Strip
2007:
Venetian Macao: 3000 rooms

2008:
City of Dreams: 2000 rooms
Far East Consortium: 3000 (Intercontinental, Holiday Inn, Cosmopolitan, Dorsett Hotel)
Four Seasons Hotel: 400
Galaxy Cotai Mega Resort: 1600
Shangri-La Hotel: 600
Traders Hotel: 1,200

2009:
Conrad Hotel: 300
Hilton Hotel: 1200
Macao Studio City: 2000
Sheraton Macao Hotel: 3985
St Regis Hotel: 400

2010:
Fairmont & Raffles: 1,500

Government backs down over height of 34-storey building

By Fox Yi Hu, SCMP, P2, 25 Oct 2007

A 126-meter tower looks set to dwarf Macau's historic Guia Lighthouse after the government backed down yesterday from its demand that the height be lowered.
The intended height of the 34-storey residential building was "acceptable" with regards to its impact on the lighthouse, Jaime Roberto Carion, director of the Land, Public Works and Transport Bureau, said outside a legislature meeting.
Macau's land shortage made it impossible to issue an across the board ban on building towers around the lighthouse, he said.
San Va Construction, the tower's local developer, had turned down government's request for a height reduction, he said.
The residential tower is sited beside the Hotel Royal and near the lighthouse. It is already several stories high and some units have been sold on pre-completion contracts.
It is believed the government is in a difficult position because it approved the building's plan and has no legal grounds to reverse its consent.

The 142-year old Guia Lighthouse became part of a World Heritage site when Unesco conferred the status on Macau's historic centre in 2005.
Standing atop the 91-meter Guia Hill, it was the first modern lighthouse on the Chinese coast. Macau's government said in June that it might adopt a 90-metre height limit on buildings close to Guia Hill....

The apartment block under construction at Calçada do Gaio on the Guia Hill will not be lowered owing to promises the developer have made to customers, claimed an official.

The Director of the Lands, Public Works and Transport Bureau (DSSOPT) Jaime Carion explained that the authorisation to build the concerned apartment block, measuring 126m in height, is based on factors such as that not being located at the World Heritage protected zone, the developer willing to concede some land for the Government to expand the road, and willing to open its car park for public use.

Carion claimed that the authorisation of the project is ‘purely made from city planning and the Urban Construction Statute’.

He also said that Macau cannot ban building up because of the lighthouse or World Heritage. What DSSOPT can do is to analyse the effects these buildings will have on the lighthouse.

He also said that the buffer zone of the Historic Centre of Macau may be expanded, saying that DSSOPT will discuss this matter with the Cultural Affairs Bureau.

Being asked whether the apartment block could be lowered, and given the fact that several thousand signatures have been collected, Carion emphasised that the landplot belongs to private developer, not a Government concession.

The Government had contacted the developer to discuss such possibility, but was refused by the developer, who claimed that it had sold out the units to customers.

Meanwhile, the campaign to protect the Guia Lighthouse will send a petition to UNESCO, requesting them to send experts to Macau to investigate the case.

Campaigners also expressed doubts on whether the existing buffer zone is sufficient, and why areas south and southwest of the Guia Lighthouse is excluded from the buffer zone.


source (http://www.blogmacau.info/blog/?p=1832)

Nice website I found on Macau.
Has pics of MGM Grand (possibly Oct) with info from investors meeting held there in Oct.
http://www.macautripping.com/features/

As expected costs of the City of Dreams casino project continue to blowout, now by a whopping $US600 million! The estimated outlay is now $US2.1 billion compared with the previously reported $US1.85 billion in June and $US1.5 billion last December. We can foresee further cost overruns happening prior to the expected opening in the middle of 2008.:ohno:

By now James Packer must surely call this the ‘City of Nightmares’.

The new costs for the casino/hotel project, now under construction, are given in a 190-page filing to the US Securities and Exchange Commission by the US-listed Melco PBL Entertainment, which is seeking to raise $US563.8 million in new shares.

Packer’s Macau casino business is being undertaken as a joint venture with the Hong Kong-listed Melco, run by Lawrence Ho, son of Macau casino veteran Stanley Ho.

The latest SEC filing, made this week, estimates the City of Dreams casino project, which is now being built by the Leighton group, will cost $US2.1 billion excluding the cost of the land. This is in addition to the $US330 million cost of an apartment hotel project which it also plans for the site.

In June, Melco PBL announced a City of Dreams “project review” which put the cost at $US1.85 billion — 23 per cent higher than the estimated $US1.5 billion in the prospectus issued late last year when the company listed on the US market.

The cost of the project, on Macau’s Cotai strip, has been hit by a combination of design changes and higher construction costs.

This week’s SEC filing says the apartment hotel complex will involve 800 apartments compared to 650 units in the June announcement — itself an expansion of previous plans.

The SEC filing also reveals that Melco PBL still has not reached an agreement with the Macau Government over the cost of the land. “We are developing City of Dreams on land for which we have not yet been granted a … concession by the Macau Government on terms acceptable to us,” it says.

“If we do not obtain a land concession on terms accessible to us, we could forfeit all, or part of, our investment in the site and the design and construction of the City of Dreams and would not be able to open and operate that facility as planned.”

The filing also notes the joint venture partners have also yet to receive approval from the Government on their plans to expand the gross floor area of the site.

The first phase, which includes the casino, retail space and two hotels, is set to open by the end of March 2009. But this week’s filing warns potential investors that the current plans may face further cost blowouts and delays.

The partners opened their first casino/hotel project in Macau, the smaller Crown Macau pitched at VIP gamblers, in May, although it was not fully operational until July. The prospectus says revenues from the Crown Macau rose in July and August but were hit in September by “a substantial fall in the hold rate” on its VIP gaming operations.

Source: The Australian

Sure also construction costs for residential/offices will rise as well, tho most likely not as much as for the casinos (as they seem to willing to speed up projects by paying extra)..
Seems like all projects have cost overruns. Wonder why (don't think wages have gone up that much ???)

Cluster of skyscrapers

took this pic on Dec 2007

Buckingham Place is going to be top off soon

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd99/eric0130/Thailand/P1020635.jpg

City of Dream
Construction Progress:
Pic taken on Dec, 2007

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd99/eric0130/Thailand/P1020631.jpg

Sands Cotai Strip Hotels Development
Construction Progress:
Pic taken on Dec, 2007

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd99/eric0130/Thailand/P1020633.jpg

Could anyone tell me how I can find the profiles of the ongoing projects in Macau eg. person in charge, contractors, consultants, etc. Many thanks!!

What do you guys think about Galaxy Mega Resort project? Will it be successfull? As for me, it seems that Macau is over supplying casinos and thus with the situation now economy is slowing down.

Well you have to wonder.

Macau Studio City has reverted to jungle, Cotai Galaxy is languishing miles behind programme, and Parcels 7&8, 3 are cancelled according to word on the street.

Government approvals are non-existant, the infrastructure and immigration processes remain chronic. China is restricting travel visas again.

Thats against a deteriorating credit situation and massive excalation in building costs.

So I suspect we will end up with half a strip, assuming they complete what they have started. Thats a big if....

So looks like Macau is heading for a landing of some sort - hard or soft.

What do you guys think about Galaxy Mega Resort project? Will it be successfull? As for me, it seems that Macau is over supplying casinos and thus with the situation now economy is slowing down.

Galaxy group is probably the worse casino operator in Macau, except the hotel part and their nice restaurants in StarWorld :)

The Galaxy Mega Resort project is probably halted

Recent release by Galaxy RE: Cotai - let's see if targets can be met!

Key highlights as follows for the half year to 30 June 2008:
-- Net loss HK$7,432 million, largely due to the one-time, non-cash write-
down of approximately HK$7 billion in net amount, which relates to
Galaxy's Macau gaming licence.
-- Group revenue HK$5,392 million in 1H 2008;

Dr. Che-woo Lui, Chairman of Galaxy, said, "The first half of 2008
experienced a slowing global economy and continued financial market
instability. At a local level, visa restrictions into Macau were introduced
as part of broader measures to control the growth of the gaming industry.

Galaxy Macau, our mega resort in Cotai, will redefine the gaming
experience in Macau and set a new standard for hospitality in Asia.

Galaxy Macau, themed "Mystical Oasis", will be a distinctive resort and
aimed at the discerning Asian consumer. At the heart of the development
will be a unique casino in terms of architecture and surprising Asian
features. This will include a retail boulevard presenting world renowned
fashion and cosmetic brands, lush podium gardens, a wave pool, white sand
beach, floating private villas and exclusive poolside cabanas. The white
and gold facade towering over Cotai is distinctively designed to
immediately capture visitor's attention.

Galaxy remains focused on the construction of area 1 of the Mega Resort
project, which is scheduled for completion in 2009. This will have
approximately 5 million sq. ft. of development across two towers, including
three luxury hotels and a casino.

The hotel in tower one, a 5-star 1,500 room property, will be operated
by Galaxy. Two additional hotels in the second tower will be managed by the
Japanese luxury hotel group Okura and the world's leading resort brand,
Banyan Tree, respectively. Both are due to open in late 2009.

There are hoardings (yes that's a word for billboards) up around Galaxy Cotai site stating opening will be June 2009. Additional construction activity spotted.

Heard rumours that downtown Galaxy has foundation problems due to construction of nearby Emperor. Galaxy will close for repairs and move operations to Taipa. Can anybody substantiate??

Any relation to One Central?

Todays lead story on SCMP...
An extremely 'negative' headline

Credit crisis hits Sands' Macau resort plan
Project on hold as US$5.25b loan halted

Tim LeeMaster, Wong Ka-chun and Neil Gough
Oct 20, 2008
US gambling giant Las Vegas Sands has scrapped plans to raise US$5.25 billion in loans for its expansion in Macau - including funding for a hotel resort complex - due to the credit crunch and a weak appetite among lenders amid the market turmoil, sources said.

^^
I think it was very wrong of SCMP to put this as the lead.
Problems with financing known for a long while. They have tried to make it look like new news.
If you read further, story isn't particularly clear. Headline implies construction halted. If you read story fully, it isn't clear. I think they only imply the (big) financing has been halted. Story later goes on to say it (financing) may come back in January.
If that is the case, then story is very pointless, especially as lead, as it is obvious financing will drag on until something resolves itself given current credit market. It is designed to spread fear (guess linking in with fear in stock market generally, layoffs in HK factories and shops).
I do not think construction has stopped as headline implies. But I don't think story even clarifies this point. It seems basically bulk of story is about FINANCING suspended. Very shoddy headline writing.

Anyway, possibly because of this story, there has been a 'clarification' from LVS, published in todays Wall Street Journal....
Following...

Las Vegas Sands says still trying to fund Macau expansion
By William Spain
Last update: 9:13 a.m. EDT Oct. 20, 2008
CHICAGO (MarketWatch) -- Las Vegas Sands is still trying to get $2 billion in financing for a Macau casino project but the world credit crunch could affect when and how much money it can raise, according to press reports citing unnamed sources. Previously, the company had said it would raise $5 billion to refinance an existing $3.3 billion loan and fund part of its new Macau project. However, a company spokesman told the Wall Street Journal that Sands is still trying to get $2 billion and is looking at other options to raise cash, including asset sales. Meanwhile, the South China Morning Post reported that the company had totally scrapped plans to raise funds for the expansion in Macau.

Over past months, there has negative trend in reporting RE Venetian.
I believe they set whole new standard for Macau - but is this appreciated?
See Macau Business article
http://www.macaubusiness.com/index.php?id=1337

You can’t come here with a megaphone and impose your ideas and, just as important, you must respect the local culture and its people.
The inability of many elements within LVS to understand local ways will not help them win a lot of friends, here, in Guangdong or, for that matter, up North.

You can’t come here with a megaphone and impose your ideas and, just as important, you must respect the local culture and its people.
The inability of many elements within LVS to understand local ways will not help them win a lot of friends, here, in Guangdong or, for that matter, up North.
[/I]
How true!

I liked the old Macau as well...
The easy pace of life, great food (at fantastic prices), and ...... crappy casinos.

I'm not sure if what LVS has done is good/bad. For sure it has added several new dimensions to Macau now, and has given me more reasons to visit. Now no longer easy pace of life, and food now annoying (queues, prices, waiting for restaurants and taxis).
In defence of LVS, I'm not sure if they have been over-arrogant and simply ignored local culture. When you invest so much, things do change for sure. They may have overstepped their mark over Henquin.
Cities/Towns all over China have changed likewise, and maybe not for better . So in some ways, I feel locals complaints have been over-emphasised. China is changing and the change in Macau has been no more/less than there. Shenzhen is now 'swamped' by outsiders. Given it is in Guangdong, people only speak mandarin there (bar Lohuo shopping ctr). And much of Guangdong likewise.

LVS has brought shopping, MICE, shows, grand casinos, nice hotels, and generally made it much nicer (and less seedier). I feel much more welcomed in Venetian than definitely in Grand Lisboa (where I suspect the old ways still exists, and security treat visitors are stupid punters).

I think LVS still has voice in China. Not sure if LVS has been sending a positive spin, but earlier reports said visa approvals to visit Venetian are easier as it is a 'resort'. And I think I've heard LVS now has highest market share altho in declining market. So not sure if it'll help them in this predicament.

I suspect China may relax before year end. Whole world in crisis and they have also begun to relax within China. I'm sure Beijing will realise demonstrations will get worse if Macau market goes downhill fast.

usually media like to report good news when things are going well, and bad ones (even if it is recycled) when things are going bad, this is not new.

But just remember what the best investor in the world W buffet would do, buy when news are at its' worst (ie maximum fear in the market).

MacauDaily Times
Sunday, 16 November 2008

Contrary to what Chief Executive Edmund Ho Hau Wah said in his policy address, authorities in Guangdong stressed that they will develop the island of Hengqin “autonomously.”
Ho made remarks that the island should be developed jointly between Guangdong and Macau.
Local media yesterday reported vice-governor of the mainland province, Wan Qingliang told Macau and Hong Kong media delegations that the time has matured to further develop Hengqin Island, and that “consensus from all sides” and conditions for further development have been formed.
The island could become a “new brand’ to elevate the international competitivness in the Pearl River Delta region and in setting up a modernised industrial bastion, local media reported.
Wan also told reporters that the master plan for Hengqin has been reported to the central government, which has given “clear support” for the island's development.
In addition, he was quoted as saying that preliminary foundation work will consider the opinion from the Macau government.
He also told reporters that the development of the island is now proceeded to a ‘launchable’ phase.
Wan did not respond directly to questions that the Province’s intention to develop Hengqin will be incompatible with Macau's opinion to have it developed jointly between the two territories. However, he was quoted as saying that the principle for Guangdong is “facing Hong Kong and Macau and automous development.”

Melco Crown Says Macau Project Will Open on Schedule in 2009

By Wendy Leung

Nov. 18 (Bloomberg) -- Melco Crown Entertainment Ltd., a casino venture between Australian billionaire James Packer and Macau magnate Stanley Ho's son Lawrence, said its City of Dreams project is on schedule to open in the first half of 2009.

The project in Macau will create about 7,000 jobs, Melco said in a statement to Hong Kong's stock exchange today. It is expected to be the only major new employer next year.

Las Vegas Sands Corp, controlled by billionaire Sheldon Adelson, said this month it halted development at its $12 billion project in Macau, leading to at least 9,000 job losses. Melco has adopted ``flexible working arrangements'' to avoid ``large-scale redundancies,'' the statement said.

Staff can take additional training programs and continue to receive full pay for part-time work and a training subsidy equivalent to half their pay during course days, it said.

2008-11-19 10:11:00 a.m. HKT, XFNA

BEIJING (XFN-ASIA) - Uncertainty over Mainland and Macau government policy contributed to the decision by Las Vegas Sands Corp to halt work on a 3.7 bln usd casino complex, the South China Morning Post reported, citing the company's president and chief operating officer William Weidner.

According to the newspaper, Weidner said it would not be prudent to put more money into the project until the central government's attitude towards Macau becomes clearer.

Sands has already spent 1.16 bln usd on the project and will pay a further 881 mln usd to prepare it for suspension and settle outstanding payments to contractors and suppliers, the newspaper said.

"There have been some changes in the central government's attitude towards Macau ... we don't think it's necessarily all that prudent to put more money in until we see how that attitude works its way out," the Hong Kong newspaper quoted Weidner as saying.

Las Vegas Sands said last week it would lay off up to 11,000 construction workers in Macau after the financial crisis forced it to suspend the building of a 6,400-room resort opposite the Venetian.

However, regulatory uncertainty in Macau appears to have partly driven the decision as the company said work would proceed on a five bln usd casino resort in Singapore, the newspaper noted.

Weidner added that Macau's policy missteps and lax regulation of the gaming industry share the blame for projects being delayed or shelved.

Tighter restrictions on travel since June have also slowed visitor growth and casino revenues, the report said.

AP
Wynn supports government travel measures in MacauWednesday November 19, 5:25 am ET
By Jeremiah Marquez, AP Business Writer
Casino mogul Steven Wynn says he supports government visa curbs in slowing Macau


HONG KONG (AP) -- Casino mogul Steve Wynn said Wednesday he couldn't tell when Macau's slowdown might let up, but expressed confidence in its long-term fortunes and backed government measures to curb travel to the Chinese gambling city.

The chief executive of Wynn Resorts Ltd. also said he was in "sharp disagreement" with comments by a top executive at rival Las Vegas Sands Corp. suggesting the government's actions were harming Macau's casino industry.

Wynn, who has one resort open in Macau and a second on the way, said the government has handled "practically everything beautifully" and been "more than accommodating, more than understanding."

He agreed with recent measures to limit travel as a way to help soften the impact of the industry's spectacular growth on Macau society and prevent its economy from overheating.

"The fact that the economy and the development and expansion of Macau occurred at such a rapid rate has created a great deal of stress on the community," Wynn said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press.

"The central government and the Macau government putting ... a slowdown in visitation was an attempt to give the community a chance to absorb the stuff that had been built," he said.

Macau has boomed since the government started welcoming heavyweight operators like Wynn, Sands and MGM Mirage Inc. The former Portuguese enclave surpassed the Las Vegas Strip as the world's most lucrative casino market two years ago.

But revenue growth has slowed this year as the global economic slump and new travel restrictions on mainland Chinese tourists take a toll. The government started issuing the restrictions this summer to control Macau's rapid growth, analysts say.

Last week Sands announced it was suspending work on multibillion-dollar mega resorts in Macau amid a funding crunch and laying off as many as 11,000 construction workers as a result.

The company's chief operating officer, William Weidner, said earlier this week that "there have been some changes in terms of the central government's attitude toward Macau. We don't think it's necessarily all that prudent to put more money in until we see how that attitude works its way out."

Weidner's comments came at an industry investment forum in Las Vegas hosted by Goldman Sachs and Deutsche Bank.

Wynn said he didn't know when Macau might turn around given the gloomy world economy.

But China's rising middle class would help the city prosper and Wynn Resorts planned to keep developing there, he said.

"I think the market is wonderful in China," he said. "Macau has always been a tourist kind of place and it's broadened ... its appeal. And I think that's going to continue."

^^^^
Looks like Wynn playing opposite side to LVS...while LVS maybe playing dangerous game by blaming government..

Of course, Wynn has advantages in playing.. Wynn is on Peninsula, with critical mass and his prime plot there doing well, while Cotai Strip now a construction site.

However, I suspect maybe that he would prefer no restrictions, like LVS, but he can afford to play by the govt restrictions now as he is in a much better (financial) position.
At the same time, he wouldn't weep at the stalled projects on Cotai... if Cotai successful, he would've been behind the curve (yes, he has peice on Cotai, but hasn't begun work and hit site much, much smaller than LVS.)

In the meantime, expressing his support for Macau/mainland's policy will win him brownie points.. which may be useful later.
The governments (esp Macau's) should be greatful for this counter view/distraction.
True competitor !!!

^^^^
Looks like Wynn playing opposite side to LVS...while LVS maybe playing dangerous game by blaming government..



Wynn and Adelson are said to be eternal rivals. I think Wynn just can't help to take a swipe at Adelson during this Crisis.

Wynn........what an asslicker...unbelievable

Same reason why lately Melco shares are doing a little bit better, In the current game, it is not about losing, but if your competitor is losing more, then it is good, as far as Wynn, Melco is concern, they would like to see CHina/Macau hates LVS, or they go bankrup, or they get out and concentrate in Singapore.

They can then become dominate players in Macau, instead of now being 2nd fiddle to LVS.

Same reason why lately Melco shares are doing a little bit better, In the current game, it is not about losing, but if your competitor is losing more, then it is good, as far as Wynn, Melco is concern, they would like to see CHina/Macau hates LVS, or they go bankrup, or they get out and concentrate in Singapore.

They can then become dominate players in Macau, instead of now being 2nd fiddle to LVS.

Not sure if they are glad about this Crisis; they maybe relatively better off but there will be enormous pressure to survive as well, especially Melco when City of Dream opened and bankers will watch in details if the revenue matched the projection.

Anybody have update - went to site but no links.

http://www.galaxymacau.com/

Galaxy Entertainment Group (00027) plans to spend HK$2 billion on its Galaxy Cotai
project this year but its opening will be delayed to 2010 amid the uncertain gaming
market.
"Construction on the Cotai project has never stopped but the renovation work will be on
hold until we see signs of economic recovery, " said vice chairman Francis Lui .
Galaxy has allocated HK$10.5 billion to the project, of which about HK$3 billion has
already been spent, Lui said.
The 5 million-square-foot development was scheduled to open in the 3rd quarter this
year, according to the company's interim report.
Lui said Galaxy has HK$5 billion cash on hand and enough financial resources to fund the
project. <The Standard>

Guy's here are some picture's from our recent trip November 2009, more will coming later on our sites! Enjoy! :cheers:

http://a2zmacau.com/i/Oceanus. Macau Nov 2009.jpg
Oceanus. Macau

http://a2zmacau.com/i/Wynn Encore. Macau.jpg
Wynn Encore. Macau

http://a2zmacau.com/i/One Central. Macau.jpg
One Grantai. Taipa. Macau

http://a2zmacau.com/i/Galaxy Macau. Nov 2009.jpg
Galaxy Macau

http://a2zmacau.com/i/City of Dreams. Cotai Strip. Macau.jpg
City of Dreams. Macau

http://a2zmacau.com/i/Plot 5 & 6. Cotai Strip. Macau.jpg
Plot 5 & 6. Cotai Strip. Macau

Is this one already known?

http://www.kerryprops.com/kpl/en/properties/macau%20properties.html

I found it by walking through Macau virtually on Google maps street view

Anybody interested to add Macau projects (with SSC links) to the Macau city map at Urbika? http://www.urbika.com/cities/view/650-macau

http://www.sbc-mcc.com/News/View.aspx?id=306

This is in Henquin Island. I know it is not Macau, but looks like they started construction there of the tower...

http://www.byjiance.com/news/308/

another proof that construction has started....

in March 2011