( left ) Studio City chief designer Gary Goddard
( below ) JD Clayton , the president of Macau Studio City
“ It ’ s no secret that for a long time the rumor was we were going to get 150 tables ,” said Ho . “ Were we flipping out ? Of course we were flipping out . But we never went out publicly . There ’ s no arguing with City Hall . There ’ s no arguing with the government . There ’ s only begging and lobbying and more begging .”
Clayton says gamblers will be pleased with the selection of games .
“ With an array of choices of gaming tables , slot machines and electronic table games , Studio City offers an exciting and dynamic gaming experience on the main gaming floor ,” he says . “ It is worth noting that when walking into the retail space , casino visitors will be favorably impressed with the expertise and attention to detail that was given to interior design . The cinematic theme is very evident in the space , and provides a warm and engaging atmosphere in which to be entertained .”
But Ho believes that the non-gaming focus of Studio City is crucial for not only the success of the property but also of the city .
“ What has been going on with the Chinese economy , especially the anti-graft campaign , has made the VIP environment more challenging in the near term , as fear has been driven into the hearts of many of the middle-to-upper class ,” Ho told Fairfax Media . “ However , the gaming market , especially the mass-market segment , still has much potential for development .
“ Melco has tailored its investments and market strategy towards attracting a diverse clientele from both gaming and non-gaming sectors . Diversification and innovation are paramount to overcoming the challenges and ensuring sustainable success in the city .” Clayton echoes his boss .
28 CASINO DESIGN 2015
“ We are confident that all these elements found in Studio City can take Macau ’ s entertainment destination proposition to new heights and help position Macau as Asia ’ s top leisure and entertainment destination ,” he says . “ Melco Crown Entertainment has tailored its investments toward attracting a diverse clientele other than gamblers . Diversification and innovation are paramount in overcoming the challenges and ensuring sustainable success in Macau . We are well prepared to bolster our presence in the mass market to grasp the growing opportunities in the segment . This is demonstrated through substantial and innovative enhancements to our assets .”
Location , Location , Location ne of the main reasons Melco
OCrown felt Studio City was the right acquisition target is its location . Situated adjacent to the Lotus Bridge border crossing connecting Macau and Hengqin Island , China , it also is close to one of the proposed light rail stations in Cotai that will transport people across Macau .
“ The strategic location provides convenient access and traffic flow from key transportation gateways and thoroughfares ,” says Clayton . “ Studio City is therefore geographically well positioned to serve Asia ’ s increasingly important massmarket segment .”
The target market for Studio City confers upon it a “ make-or-break ” proposition when it comes to Macau . Clayton has no doubt that Studio City will deliver .
“ Our entertainment attractions ,
rooms , food and beverage and leisure activities are all aimed at appealing to a broad customer base ,” he says . “ As much as we would like to attract people who will enjoy the most technologically advanced and stunning casino in Macau , we also have the facilities for family visitors on holiday , as well as casual travelers visiting Macau for the entertainment , shopping and food . With our new ballroom and adjoining meeting rooms , 5,000-seat event center and multiple gardens and Pacha nightclub , we are also targeting the business sector for large corporate events and parties .”
Design Elements oddard explains that the design of
GStudio City was crucial in conveying that entertainment theme Ho believed was essential .
“ The Art Deco style was a deliberate approach that I felt best suited the goals as Mr . Ho outlined them ,” says Goddard . “ First , the Art Deco style best captures the ‘ Golden Age of Hollywood ’ in an epic manner , delivering an iconic destination that we associate with the world of motion pictures . This was accomplished