Yokohama city has revealed that it expects seven companies to submit proposals to develop an integrated resort at Yamashita Wharf, having received seven registrations during the city’s recent Request for Concept process.
Proposals are open until 23 December, after which time the local government will use the proposals as reference materials to draft an implementation policy by 2020.
While the names of the seven registered parties were not released, the identities of most are already well known with Las Vegas Sands, Melco Resorts & Entertainment, Galaxy Entertainment Group, Genting Singapore and Wynn Resorts having all pointed to Yokohama as an attractive location.
Yokohama officials also revealed on Monday that four companies have registered to participate in the proposal to develop IR-related land nearby the IR development itself, while another 15 proposals have been received for related industries such as next-generation transportation, energy and gambling addiction measures.
A government representative was quoted by local media as stating, “I’m grateful there has been such a high number of submissions. I have high expectations for the proposals.”
Yokohama city officially expressed interest in an IR bid in August and the city council passed a supplementary budget that included JPY260 million for related expenses in September. The municipality plans to finalize an implementation policy in 2020 and will start a public offering and selection process for an operator.
Yokohama hopes to select its operator by 2021 and open for business in the late 2020s.