MGM Resorts is looking to begin construction for its integrated resort in Osaka, Japan by middle to late next year, MGM President and CEO Bill Hornbuckle has revealed. The announcement comes after the company signed a licensing agreement with Marriott International last week, expected to draw high-end travellers to its Las Vegas’ operations.
In an interview, Hornbuckle said that the group expects to sign the implementation agreement for its casino resort in Osaka in autumn. He said: “It’s early in the game, but for us, it’s been a 12-year journey. We’re looking forward to signing our area development plan this fall and starting in earnest on the ground, hopefully, by middle to late next year in terms of pylons and beginning construction. We’re shooting for a 2030 opening.”
He further confirmed that the property would be on reclaimed land, the Yumeshima Island, which was “originally built to compete for the ’72 Olympics, and it’s been sitting there since”. Hornbuckle noted that the site is slated to house the World Expo in 2025, “so a lot of the infrastructure and some of the other things we need for tourism will be brought to bear”.