The Hemingways Casino and Hotel is in the final stages of a huge expansion project costing R240 million.
A massive R240 million has been invested in an East London casino revamp and a huge lifestyle and entertainment centre is being built at the city’s premier hotel and casino complex.
In a recent interview, the management of Hemingways Casino and Hotel said that the construction project is leading towards an all-purpose venue for a range of lifestyle shows. At present, the site is covered with reinforced steel and concrete pillars; however, it will soon become a 700 seat concert venue which will play host to performers such as Lira, Zahara, Kurt Darren and Centrestage. There are also plans to use the venue for high-profile boxing matches and ice-skating productions.
In 2010 the casino complex was awarded a new 15 year casino license and last month it became part of the Tsogo Sun group. As part of the group’s license bid in September 2010 full details of the planned expansion were provided. Hemingways is now racing to finish the expansion before a billion rand upgrade is completed by their competitors, the Sun Internatoinal owned Boardwalk Casino. Both of the casinos were given licenses and shortly afterwards announced upgrades due to be complete in December.
Hemingways expansion also includes a new conference and events area which would create space for arts and theatre which were not previously available all in the same location within East London. They are hoping to host food and wine festivals as well as motoring shows in the new arena which is being rigged for stage sound and lighting as well as being fitted with a removable carpet and full backstage area for performers.
The casino is now in the third phase of its expansion which includes building two new salon private areas for high rollers. The Hemingways hotel is also being expanded to include 41 new rooms as well as a new kitchen, restaurant and reception area.
