Melco Resorts & Entertainment has unveiled its design concept for the Phase 2 development of Macau integrated resort Studio City, part of a topping off ceremony held Monday.
Coming at a cost of US$1.3 billion and due to open in December 2022, Studio City Phase 2 is designed by Zaha Hadid Architects – the same firm that designed Morpheus 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” with non-gaming facilities including one of Asia’s largest indoor and outdoor water parks – which opened earlier this year – a six-screen Cineplex comprising two regular houses and four VIP suites, as well as a state-of-the-art MICE 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 Monday’s ceremony, which also saw David Sisk, Clarence Chung, Kevin Benning, Raymond Lo and other Melco executives in attendance.
“99% 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.”
Measuring around 250,000 square meters in total gross floor area, Phase 2 will also boast an additional 2,300 square meters of gaming space, 21,000 square meters of retail, a children’s play zone for families and a new food street offering a selection of cuisines from Asia.
“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 Chief Operating Officer of Macau Resorts, 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.”
