Following last week’s announcement of MGM China’s proposal to revitalize the A-Ma area of Macau, the SAR government and Melco Resorts and Entertainment Ltd held a press conference Thursday to introduce revitalization plans for Inner Harbour Piers 23 and 25, as well as the Monte Fortress of St Paul – home of the famous Ruins of St Paul – and its surrounding space.
The government had earlier announced six areas old districts of Macau that were in line for the revitalization of old districts by the six concessionaires with Inner Harbour Piers 23 and 25 and the Monte Fortress of St Paul now added to the list.
Speaking at the press conference, Melco’s Director of Innovation and Public Relations, Jennifer Lai, explained the revitalization plan, which is themed “Conservation, Revitalization, Coexistence”. Melco will revitalize the two buildings on the piers in question by incorporating new cultural and tourism projects and considering revitalization across eight aspects.
“No 23 and No 25 of the Inner Harbour will be the base for the revitalization of these two buildings, which were built in 1948 and 1950, and are some of the older buildings in Macau,” Lai said.
Melco will set up an inner harbour bazaar in this area, introduce gift and souvenir stores, set up a tourist information center, open a bookstore, open cafes and teahouses with sea views, reserve space for cultural and creative stores, set up a private rooftop on the top of the buildings, and set up a platform to take Instagrammable photos.
In the short to medium term, Melco will support the government in enhancing the activities of the Monte Fortress of St Paul and its surrounding spaces, and will include art and cultural industries as well as some joint projects to promote SMEs.
Melco will also collaborate with the Cultural Affairs Bureau to organize the “2023 Fortress Mid-Autumn Festival Activity” during the Mid-Autumn Festival. This will feature lighting effects at the top of the Macao Historical Museum and in the area of the fortress, with local performers on stage to entertain the crowds.
Melco Chairman and CEO Lawrence Ho said, “Melco is honored to support the Government in the renovation of this old district.
“The Fortress and St Paul’s are famous tourist attractions in Macau, and we want to do something at Piers 23 and 25 in the inner harbour [to elevate the area.”
Ho noted that the project is a long term one and will link up different attractions in the region via the revitalization plan.
The Macau government announced last Tuesday six revitalization areas, namely Lai Chi Vun Shipyard, Rua da Felicidade, the A-Ma area, Inner Harbour Piers 23 and 25, Avenida do Almeida Ribeiro and Rua de Cinco de Outubro, as well as the Iec Long Firecracker Factory
Lai Chi Vun Shipyard is supported by Galaxy Entertainment; the revitalization of Rua da Felicidade by Wynn; and the A-Ma area by MGM.
Avenida do Almeida Ribeiro and Rua de Cinco de Outubro will be supported by SJM, as SJM had mentioned these districts in last year’s gaming license tender.
The Iec Long Firecracker Factory is expected to be supported by Sands China.
