Riverside casino in Hamilton is getting ready for business, with construction well underway, the first service contracts being sought and the public opening now only six months away.

Riverside last week advertised for local expressions of interest in contracts for drycleaning and venue cleaning services, and plans are also underway for the establishment of a recruitment office in Hamilton to deal with the increasing local interest in employment opportunities. The casino complex is expected to provide around 250 jobs.

The developmentâ??s most logistically challenging feat is also about to begin â?? the raising of the art deco geodesic dome ceiling of Hamiltonâ??s former Chief Post Office building.

The dome ceiling, which carries an â??Aâ?? classification under the Historic Places Act, is believed to be the only example remaining in New Zealand. Constructed of more than 1600 individual glass â??lensesâ?? set within a concrete shell, the dome is a spectacular site and promises to be even more so once it is raised three floors in height to create the grand atrium entrance of the Riverside Centre.

In addition to incorporating the spectacular old ceiling, the Riverside development includes the refurbishment of many elements of the art deco post office building in Victoria Street, as well as the construction of a new building on what was previously an open-air parking lot. The new component of the building features three levels above ground and eight split-levels of car parking below ground.

Project director for Riverside Casino Limited, Bryce Morrin, is delighted with progress to date.

"Riverside is really beginning to take shape. The building is now fully enclosed, interior fit-out is taking place as is leasing of space along the new Waikato river bank promenade, and with refurbishment of the Victoria Street façade now underway the public face of the entertainment centre is becoming increasingly visible," said Mr Morrin.

"Hamilton can be proud of the priority this development places on the Waikato river, opening it up to public pedestrians and visitors to Hamilton as well as providing spectacular views up and down the river from the buffet restaurant, casino and entertainment levels."

Since construction on the Riverside complex recommenced in February 2001, over 43,000 cubic metres of soil have been moved, more than 200 local labourers have been employed and a range of local companies have been sub-contracted or provided goods and services to the development.

A local master carver has also been commissioned to produce five Pou for the Riverside property, ranging between five and seven metres in height and representing Maori ancestors. The Pou will be placed along the riverâ??s edge.

"Riverside will be a dynamic new entertainment attraction for the city of Hamilton and weâ??re committed to engaging local people and companies, where possible, to be involved in the development. The local artworks will add a distinct Waikato â??flavourâ?? to the property and provide yet another attraction for visitors," said Mr Morrin.

Mr Morrin expects that by mid-April the car park will be finished and by mid-May the building will be completely weatherproof. Riverside will open to the public in September 2002.

For further information please contact:

Delwyn Lewer

Communications Executive (Corporate)

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited

Tel: 09 363 6025 or 021 669 413