Brisbane’s Splashy New Queen’s Wharf Casino Opens After Lengthy Construction Defect Disputes and Confidential Settlement

A recent settlement has been reached between The Star Entertainment Group Limited (The Star) and Multiplex, the contractor for the Queen's Wharf Brisbane development, reports World Casino Directory. This ends a lengthy dispute over significant design and construction defects that plagued the AU$ 3 billion integrated resort project.

As noted in the original World Casino Directory article[1], The Star filed legal action against Multiplex in 2021, claiming inadequate design and construction led to water leaks and other issues at the luxury hotel and apartment towers. Multiplex denied responsibility and blamed The Star's designs and scope changes. This week's confidential settlement deed ends the public disagreement.

While full terms were not disclosed, The Star did reveal Multiplex agreed to pay "a significant sum" and will remain engaged as the Queen's Wharf Brisbane contractor through to completion. An independent certifier will also be appointed to oversee remediation works on the defective areas within the hotel and residential buildings.

For background, Queen's Wharf Brisbane is a vital part of The Star's expansion strategy into new markets. The massive 1.39 million square foot integrated resort features a 200-room luxury Rosewood hotel, over 50 restaurants and bars, a large casino, and 2,000 residential apartments. It is slated to open in 2023 after four years of tumultuous construction.

This highlights the risks major development projects face when grand visions meet real-world complications. While spectacular integrated resorts promise substantial economic benefits, they require immense coordination between developers, contractors, designers, and government partners over many years. When issues emerge, they can become complex and expensive legal battles without clear resolution.

The confidential settlement between The Star and Multiplex aims to move the Brisbane project forward while fairly addressing the construction setbacks. But it underscores the behind-the-scenes drama that often remains hidden when flashy casino openings make headlines. It provides a cautionary tale for all stakeholders involved in massive tourism projects across the Asia Pacific region and worldwide.