On November 15, Melco Resorts & Entertainment disclosed its design concept for the Phase 2 development of Studio City Macau. It was part of a ceremony that marked the topping-off of the hotel towers.
The US$1.3 billion expansion, which due to open in December 2022, was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, which designed the dramatic Morpheus resort at City of Dreams Macau and co-designed Melco’s Yokohama integrated resort concept.
The Studio City expansion is described as featuring a “modern interpretation of the rich detailing, bold geometries and craftsmanship of the Art Deco period.” Non-gaming facilities include one of Asia’s largest indoor and outdoor water parks, which opened earlier this year, as well as a six-screen Cineplex comprising two regular houses and four VIP suites and a modern meeting and convention space.
“Studio City Phase 2 is a demonstration of Melco’s commitment to diversification,” said Melco Chairman and CEO Lawrence Ho in a speech delivered at the topping-off ceremony. “Ninety-nine percent of our US$1.3 billion investment is dedicated to non-gaming facilities. The new towers will house two new luxury hotels with almost 900 rooms to offer much-needed extra capacity for welcoming overnight-staying guests.
“And when it comes to entertainment, we have gone the extra 100 miles. In fact, Studio City will probably offer more entertainment options than all its Cotai competitors combined.”
Phase 2 encompasses 250,000 square meters (67 acres) of floor area, 2,300 square meters of gaming space, 21,000 square meters (25,-000 square feet) of retail, a children’s play zone and a new food street offering a selection of cuisines from Asia, reported Inside Asian Gaming.
“Melco has a strong track record of contributing to Macau’s ongoing development as a world center of leisure tourism,” said Ho.
“Studio City Phase 2 reaffirms our ongoing commitment to the city and contributes to reinforcing Macau’s non-gaming proposition in Asia and internationally. We are grateful for the support of the Central and Macau governments during the project construction.”
Melco’s Macau COO David Sisk added, “Since opening in 2015, Studio City has become a destination landmark in Macau with its unique entertainment theme and experience. The extension project will complement our existing offering of ‘next-generation’ world-class entertainment and further enhance the distinctive Studio City experience.”
