Imperial Pacific International (IPI) says it will partially open the first phase of its Saipan IR either “on or before” 30 September 2019.
The news was revealed in a brief Hong Kong Stock Exchange announcement on Tuesday in which IPI also referred to the property for the first time as Imperial Palace‧Saipan. However, precise details on exactly which amenities will open by 30 September were not provided.
It was only seven months ago that IPI was granted a two-and-a-half-year extension to its 31 August completion deadline with Saipan’s Casino Control Commission agreeing to a new deadline for full completion of 28 February 2021.
When complete, Imperial Palace‧Saipan will feature a 329-room luxury hotel; 14,140 square meters of gaming area; 3,870 square meters of food and beverage outlets; 186 square meters of retail space; 930 square meters of meeting space; 15 villas; and a 1,500-square meter spa and fitness area with associated infrastructure.
Speaking to Inside Asian Gaming in November, IPI Chairman Mark Brown insisted the property remained on track to meet all deadlines despite being forced to lay-off staff and reduce operations in the wake of Typhoon Yutu.
Brown said the company was primarily focused on completion of the facility’s Beach Resort hotel – a separate VIP building along the beach front that includes 15 Paul Steelman-designed villas – and would then turn its attention to the resort’s main tower and completion of its suites.