Las Vegas Sands Corp. has announced plans to open the first phase of its US$5.5bn Marina Bay Sands development in Singapore at the end of April.

The property comprises three 55-storey towers, linked by the 200m-high Sands SkyPark, which will feature a public observation deck and rooftop restaurants. Scheduled to open in April are 963 hotel rooms, part of the shopping mall and convention centre, several dining outlets and a casino, all being subject to construction proceeding on schedule.

The second phase, which includes the Sands SkyPark, the Event Plaza on Marina Bay and more shops and eating options, is set for a 23 June opening. In October, one of the property's two theatres will open with Disney's The Lion King. The second theatre, which is to open later this year, will be home to a variety of special events and headline acts.

The Marina Bay Sands museum, expected to open by December, will feature international exhibitions.