Crown Melbourne
A Nexus of Entertainment and Commerce: An In-depth Examination of Australia's Premier Integrated Resort.
Explore Crown ๐ Key Issues โ ๏ธDive in with Flashcard Learning!
๐ฎ Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game๐ฎ
Overview
Integrated Resort Complex
Crown Melbourne, often referred to as Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex, is a significant integrated resort situated on the south bank of the Yarra River in Melbourne, Australia. It operates as a subsidiary of Crown Resorts.
Prime Location
Located in the bustling Southbank precinct, adjacent to the Melbourne central business district, the complex offers extensive views along the Yarra River and is a prominent feature of the city's skyline.
Historical Context
Initially opening in 1994 at the World Trade Centre on the north bank, Crown Melbourne relocated and reopened at its current south bank location on May 8, 1997. This transition marked a significant development phase for the property.
Scale and Scope
Expansive Footprint
The complex spans approximately 510,000 square meters, equivalent to two city blocks. This vast area establishes it as the largest casino complex in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the most substantial globally.
Gaming Capacity
Crown Melbourne is licensed to operate a substantial number of gaming facilities, including up to 540 table games and 2,500 poker machines, catering to a wide range of patrons.
Diverse Offerings
Beyond gaming, the complex integrates extensive dining, retail, and entertainment options, contributing to its status as a comprehensive destination.
Accommodation
Crown Towers
A five-star luxury hotel featuring 481 rooms and villas across 38 floors. It offers panoramic views of the city, Port Phillip Bay, and Docklands.
Crown Metropol
Reportedly Australia's largest hotel by room count, this five-star establishment houses 658 rooms spread over 28 floors, providing premium accommodation.
Crown Promenade
A 4.5-star hotel offering 465 rooms across 23 floors. It is connected to the main complex via a pedestrian overpass and includes the Crown Conference Centre.
Future Developments
Plans for a fourth hotel tower, 'One Queensbridge', were approved but ultimately did not proceed due to financing challenges, highlighting the complexities of large-scale development.
Culinary Experiences
Notable Restaurants
Crown Melbourne hosts a diverse array of acclaimed dining establishments, including renowned names such as Nobu, Bistro Guillaume, Rockpool Bar and Grill, and Silks, offering a wide spectrum of international cuisines.
Retail and Entertainment
Beyond dining, the complex features luxury retail outlets, nightclubs, and entertainment venues like 'Kingpin' (formerly Galactic Circus), an arcade, and laser tag, providing comprehensive leisure options.
Featured Attractions
The Palladium Ballroom
A grand ballroom with a seating capacity for 1,500 guests. It has served as the venue for significant Australian events, including the Logie Awards, Brownlow Medal, and Allan Border Medal ceremonies.
Gas Brigades Fire Show
An hourly spectacle along the Yarra River features eight towers projecting spheres of fire, approximately three meters in diameter. This display operates nightly, weather permitting, and is suspended during total fire bans or high winds.
Water Features
Integrated both internally and externally, water features contribute to the aesthetic ambiance of the Crown Melbourne complex, enhancing its visual appeal.
Controversies and Scrutiny
Financial Irregularities & Fines
Crown Melbourne has faced significant scrutiny and substantial fines related to its operations. Incidents include knowingly accepting stolen funds, processing illicit transactions for Chinese gamblers resulting in an AU$80 million fine, and extensive breaches of responsible gambling legislation leading to AU$120 million in fines. These breaches involved allowing patrons to gamble for extended periods and facilitating auto-play on poker machines, indicating a prioritization of revenue over patron protection.
Finkelstein Royal Commission
The Royal Commission into the Casino Operator and Licence delivered a highly critical assessment of Crown's activities, citing money laundering, connections to organized crime, and serious corporate governance failures. It recommended a two-year review period for Crown's license, mandating significant operational changes and the appointment of an inspector to oversee compliance and prevent illicit activities.
Security Incidents
The complex has been implicated in various security-related incidents. Notably, eighteen employees were detained in China in 2016 over alleged gambling crimes. Internally, a high-tech scam involving security camera feeds resulted in AU$33 million being defrauded in 2013. A robbery in 2002 involved a fake gun and the theft of AU$136,000.
Tragic Incidents
The venue has also been associated with personal tragedies, such as the death of Rochelle Nolan, partner of entertainer Russell Gilbert, in a hotel room in 2015, reportedly following a battle with depression.
Teacher's Corner
Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio
Click here to open the "Crown Melbourne" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit
Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.
True or False?
Test Your Knowledge!
Gamer's Corner
Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?
Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!
Play now
References
References
- "Resources Project Database Crown Melbourne, Southbank". Schiavello. 14 December 2014. Retrieved 11 February 2017
Feedback & Support
To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.
Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not financial, legal, or advisory content. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding financial matters, legal compliance, or operational management. Always consult with qualified professionals for specific advice tailored to your situation. Never disregard professional advice because of information found on this website.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.