SkyCity Entertainment Group Limited says its insurers have confirmed that the company’s contract works insurance policy will respond in relation to damage to the under-construction New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) and Horizon Hotel from a fire that broke out on 22 October.
One of the key features of SkyCity’s upgrade works at SkyCity Auckland, the US$450 million NZICC was originally scheduled to open in 2020 but could now face extensive delays as a result of the fire, which saw all casino operations shut down and guests evacuated when it broke out late last month.
In a Tuesday morning announcement, SkyCity said it had now received some positive news in regards to expected costs as a result of the insurance coverage, adding that its third party liability insurance policy has also promised to respond where legal liability exists on a claim-by-claim basis. No serious injuries were reported as a result of the fire.
Contractor Fletcher Construction was handed back control of the NZICC site on 1 November although access remains restricted as safety and structural assessments and investigations into the cause of the fire are completed, SkyCity explained in its latest update.
It is not yet known the extend of any delays to the construction schedule.
“Both SkyCity and Fletcher Construction remain committed to completing the NZICC to the standard agreed with the New Zealand Government,” the company said.
