The 594-bedroom Conrad Jupiters Hotel on Australia’s Gold Coast is nearing completion of the first phase of its AUS$53.5m (£22.4m, US$41m, 32.6m euro) casino refurbishment.

The property, owned by Melbourne-based Tabcorp, is consolidating all its casino and gaming operations on one floor, which is being expanded to more than double its current size.

The revamp will not see the introduction of any more gaming tables or machines, but will add an extra 3,500sq m (37,700sq ft) of space, including two new bars and a restaurant and lounge areas on the gaming floor. One of the bars will feature a DJ and live entertainment and has been specifically targeted to 18- to 35-year-olds.

The scheme will also see daylight enter the gaming arena for the first time, with balconies running the length of the casino offering outside dining.

“Previously casinos could not have windows,” said the hotel’s gaming operations general manager, Robbie Vale, “but now regulations have changed and we can take advantage of the beautiful views and climate that the Gold Coast has to offer.”

The balconies will also offer smoking areas in preparation for the introduction of the smoking ban on 30 June this year.

The project, which has seen extensions built on either side of the existing casino, has been phased so that the facility has remained open throughout and no revenue lost since work began last August.

Architects for the scheme are Gold Coast-based The Buchan Group with interior design by Bates Smart.

The first new section will open on 1 July, with work then commencing on the refurbishment of the current gaming space.

“This is the biggest upgrade of Conrad Jupiters in the 20-year history of the casino and hotel complex,” said Conrad Jupiters CEO, Charles Read.

“The refurbishment will provide what out customers have been asking for – rejuvenated gaming floor, greater food options, lounge areas, balconies and live entertainment.

“We also believe the upgrade will better position the property for the future and provide greater flexibility for our customers’ ever changing needs.

Conrad Jupiters is the only large casino on the Gold Coast under Australian law, which permits only one such facility per city. Tabcorp also owns and operates the Star City complex in Sydney, New South Wales and the Conrad Treasury in Brisbane and Jupiters Townsville, Townsville, in Queensland.

Tabcorp also owns the new Convention Centre adjacent to the Conrad Jupiters, which last year led to a room night increase of 16,000 at the hotel. Details: www.tabcorp.com.au