Gillian Murphy
As casino operators ramp up efforts to expand their non-gaming offerings, Ga-
laxy is preparing to open Broadway Macau, featuring a 3,000-seat theatre, street entertainment and a hotel, on May 27. Senior vice president and general manager of Broadway, Gillian Murphy, stressed that the destination resort comprising of six hotels “needs this entertainment precinct.”
Speaking on the sidelines of a press conference held yesterday to announce more details about Broadway Macau, Ms Murphy said that the operator is aware of the government’s requirements and demands, which will be taken into consideration when renewing current gaming concession contracts. The development of non-gaming offerings is among them.
“Obviously it’s a consideration but I think first of all we’re looking to complement what we have with what will be six hotels in a destination resort that needs this entertainment precinct,” she added.
With other operators expanding their non-gaming components, Ms Murphy recalled that Galaxy’s approach focuses on forging close relationships with local brands and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs).
“I think through the relationship with the brands and local SMEs that we’ve done… the pricing of it… and the integrated approach into our street, it really becomes a bit of Clarke Quay [Singapore] or Lan Kwai Fong (…),” she stressed.
Broadway Macau features not only a 3,000-seat venue but also a street designed to provide entertainment activities, food and beverage outlets, as well as boutiques showcasing local and overseas brands.
“Twenty out of 30 restaurants [located in this street] are local restaurants with just wonderful food that’s been celebrated for decades in Macau,” she stressed, adding that the street will come alive seven days a week with artists and acrobats.
“It’s creating more opportunities and more choices that complement what already exists at Galaxy specifically,” she stressed.
Galaxy’s projects will be the first among a new wave of Cotai projects and resorts opening on the Cotai Strip.
The 3,000-seat theatre will open on May 30 with a concert by Hong Kong cantopop singer Alan Tam, which is already sold out. Classical singers Fei Yu Qing and Liza Wang will perform on June 6, and soft rock band Michael Learns to Rock will take the stage on June 13. Pop singer Sun Nan, alongside Leo Ku and Kit Chan, will perform on June 20.
Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) said in a press release that it also aims to nurture the local music scene. It has therefore partnered with Macau’s Live Music Association to establish a platform for local music, titled “Band on the Run,” which comprises a mobile live stage featuring established and up-and-coming artists from Macau and Hong Kong.
Ms Murphy acknowledged that Galaxy is targeting mainly an Asian audience, attracting both locals and tourists: “We pride ourselves in being authentically Asian, that’s our target. International celebrities are not our priority.”
Nevertheless, she stressed that beginning in August they will be presenting shows by residents lasting for two weeks and possibly also one Broadway musical.
Macau’s gaming revenue fell for the 10th consecutive month in March but Ms Murphy stressed that this is the right time to bet on this type of project, mainly due to its affordable prices. “I think this couldn’t be better timed because of the pricing position. Whether it’s the hotel rooms or an array of restaurants that aren’t all Michelin-starred… it is incredibly affordable (…) I think we will encourage people to come and stay because it’s affordable,” she stressed.
For the Broadway Hotel, which features 320 rooms, demand has exceeded expectations, Ms Murphy said, revealing that two thirds of the hotel rooms are already sold out for the first 90 days.
Galaxy is also expanding into its second phase by opening “The Promenade” on May 27. It features 200 luxury and lifestyle retail brands including H&M, Burberry, Alexander Wang, Moncler, and Bvlgari, among others. A rooftop aquatic adventure river ride and a wave pool are part of the new offering too.
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