Fitting-out work on “key areas” at the Westside City casino resort in the Philippine capital, Manila, has been “finalised” during 2025, “enabling transition to the final stages of the project”. Such fitting-out work included the complex’s casino and back-of-house areas, stated Arcadis, a global design, engineering and management consulting company, in a Wednesday press release.
Arcadis Philippines Inc said in the update that it had completed its “64-month consulting engagement” for the Westside City integrated resort (IR) project (pictured).
The US$1.25-billion casino complex is now being developed through a partnership between Travellers International Hotel Group Inc and Philippine-listed Suntrust Resort Holdings Inc.
In September, Suntrust confirmed it had subscribed to 400 million common shares of Westside Bayshore Holding Corp, representing a 40 percent stake in that firm, for a total consideration of PHP3.20 billion (US$55.2 million currently).
This was part of a plan aimed at expediting the completion of what is described as the “now-expanded” Westside IR project, with Travellers International effectively taking the lead in development.
In mid-September, Nilo Thaddeus Rodriguez, president and chief executive of Travellers International, said a total investment of up to US$450 million was still required to complete the casino complex.
Travellers International currently runs the Newport World Resorts casino complex in Manila.
In Wednesday’s release, Arcadis Philippines said it had served for over five years as a “primary consulting partner, steering the project through global disruptions, and keeping momentum during one of construction’s most challenging periods”.
“By the close of Arcadis Philippines engagement, the project was 75 percent complete, with major elements successfully delivered and ready for execution, ultimately paving the way for the new project management team under the new owner,” said the consulting firm.
The update cited Joseph Atabug, Arcadis Philippines’ project director for the Westside City IR, as saying: “Together, we have brought this landmark development … to the brink of completion, overcoming unprecedented challenges along the way.”
He stated: “This project tested the boundaries of what’s possible in our industry, requiring us to adapt, innovate, and achieve results beyond expectations.”
Mr Atabug added: “We are proud of what we have accomplished and confident that the foundation we leave behind will ensure the successful opening and future of this world-class destination.”
Alex Chan, construction director at Suntrust, said in prepared remarks: “By collaborating with Arcadis professional teams under different regional offices in Macau, Hong Kong, and Manila, they delivered one-stop solution services throughout different project stages.
“The variety of services and geography offices supported the client to effectively manage project progress ahead even during the pandemic and lockdown period.”
