Crown Resorts set to invest heavily in Melbourne casino
The stage is set for Crown’s biggest investment in its flagship Southbank property in almost thirty years, with Melbourne’s Crown Casino precinct set for a major upgrade.
A $200 million redevelopment designed to attract the next generation of guests and tourism is about to begin, with the precinct to introduce more than 15 new restaurants, bars and casual eateries, as well as a major revitalisation of the Riverwalk.
Crown Melbourne will welcome game-changing local restaurateurs, iconic global brands, a sky-high event space, vibrant nightlife and internationally acclaimed dining concepts never before seen in Australia.
Crown Melbourne CEO Ed Domingo says Victoria is primed for business and this major reinvestment represents the start of a new era.
“This significant investment in new dining, entertainment and the iconic Riverwalk will cement Crown’s place as the ultimate destination for food, fun, entertainment and late-night energy.
“Melburnians and our visitors have changed over the past 30 years – and this reimagining of our precinct ensures we continue to elevate our offering and deliver experiences fit for the next generation.”
Around 2,000 construction jobs will be created over the life of the project, which extends to enhancing public open space, providing additional outdoor terrace dining and delivering a transformational green energy program across the expansive integrated resort complex.
Crown is bringing destination dining to Melbourne including iconic global brands and local trailblazers. Announced last month, Victor Churchill – one of the world’s most celebrated butchers – will unveil a spectacular new venue in mid‑2027. An architectural showpiece with sweeping Yarra Views, the fusion of old‑world glamour and meticulous craftsmanship will deliver a steak experience unmatched anywhere in the city.
A riverside gastropub will bring a bold new energy to the Riverwalk, offering a stylish space that opens directly onto the Yarra waterfront with relaxed atmosphere and contemporary design. Guests can enjoy elevated pub favourites in a bright, social setting and catch all their favourite sporting moments on the big screen before transitioning to a vibrant nightlife destination in the evening.
Entertainment will remain centre stage with the reimagining of The Palms. Now under construction, the venue is being renamed ‘Crown Live Theatre’ and will accommodate an audience of 1,250 when it relaunches in November 2026. New images released today show the extensive luxury renovations and impressive balcony for pre-show socialising. The revamped theatre will position Crown as a premier drawcard for international performers, theatre residencies, and high-energy concerts, elevating Melbourne’s live entertainment offering.
Crown Towers’ renowned lobby bar will also be transformed, with hotel guests and visitors to be welcomed to the beautifully refurbished venue set beside the stunning Towers lobby early next year. In May, Crown Metropol’s 28th floor will debut as an exclusive private events destination – an impressive sky‑high space boasting panoramic floor‑to‑ceiling city views – designed for show‑stopping weddings, parties and corporate occasions.
Beyond dining and entertainment, Crown is making significant investments in sustainability, with one of the most ambitious green energy transformation projects in Australia. Crown’s 500,000 m2 footprint is equal to two CBD blocks. Rooftop solar panels, battery storage and advanced energy-saving technology will see carbon emissions reduced by 23% by 2027, the equivalent of removing 4,700 cars from the road each year.
Construction and detailed design work is underway across the diverse variety of venues, with openings staged from mid-2026 through to 2027.
Crown Melbourne, which will host the return of the Aussie Millions poker tournament from April 24, has not yet confirmed if the planned upgrades include their gaming floors, which are already regarded as first-rate, but have experienced a decline in recent times.
Crown Melbourne is the sole casino venue in Victoria and Australia’s most well-known gambling venue on the international stage.
