SkyCity’s Expansion Plans Up in Smoke As Blaze Breaks Out

SkyCity Entertainment Group saw their plans for expansion in New Zealand quite literally go up in smoke as a giant fire broke out at their casino complex in Auckland. The NZ International Convention Centre was surrounded in thick plumes of black smoke on Tuesday afternoon as firefighters battled to control the blaze.

Residents advised to stay indoors 

SkyCity’s plans for expansion were in full swing at the Convention Centre but were far from complete, with the project not due to be finalised until the end of 2020. This left the building in a vulnerable state and made it difficult for firefighters to effectively control the flames.

The fire was first spotted at around 1pm in the afternoon, originating from what appeared to be the roof. The building was very quickly swallowed up in thick black smoke and SkyCity ordered what they described as a “controlled evacuation” from the whole of the precinct. This included Sky Tower, the tallest building in New Zealand, SkyCity Auckland Casino and SKyCity hotels as well as restaurants and a number of offices.

All of the fire units in Auckland were diverted to the blaze but firefighters were left helpless to prevent the spread of the flames. Individuals with respiratory conditions were advised to stay inside and switch off any air conditioning units. All residents were advised to avoid the city centre while the complex continued to blaze.

Fire crews attending the incident said the incomplete nature of the construction work meant they were unable to access the building in the normal ways to tackle the fire. This meant they were left with no option but to allow the inferno to burn itself out, monitoring its progress until it did so.

Throughout Tuesday evening the fire continued to rage, complicated by high winds gusting up to 60kph. On Wednesday these are expected to increase to 100kph, providing more fuel for the fire to continue.

Stock prices plunged

As a result of the casino blaze, SkyCity prices on the stockmarket tumbled by around 4%, recovering only minimally by close of trade. The project was scheduled to finish at the end of 2020 at a total cost of NZ $400 million.

Only one injury has been reported so far but it’s not yet known what the total damage to the casino complex will be. It’s certain however that SkyCity’s plans for expansion will need to be either delayed or aborted in view of the clear and extensive damage which has already occurred.