The "key area" renovation project of the Westside City Resort in Manila, Philippines, was completed in 2025, marking the final construction phase of this $1.25 billion investment project. Global design consultancy Arcadis has completed its 64-month consulting service, providing full guidance for the project. Developed jointly by Travellers International Hotel Group and Suntrust Resort Holdings, the project is currently about 75% complete, with approximately $450 million needed to finish the remaining construction. Once completed, the project will become another world-class gaming resort destination in the Philippines, significantly enhancing Manila's competitiveness in the Asian entertainment and gaming market.
Project Overview and Construction Progress
Significant progress has been made in the Westside City Resort project in Manila, with the key area renovation completed in 2025. This milestone marks the official entry into the final construction phase, laying the foundation for full completion.
The renovation work covers the casino area and back-office facilities, implemented by global design, engineering, and management consulting firm Arcadis, ensuring the project meets international standards and quality requirements.
Investment Structure and Development Team
The total investment of the project is approximately $1.25 billion, developed jointly by Travellers International Hotel Group and the Philippine-listed company Suntrust Resort Holdings. The collaboration between the two groups ensures sufficient funding and professional development capabilities.
In September this year, Suntrust confirmed the subscription of 400 million ordinary shares of Westside Bayshore Holding Corp, representing 40% of the company, with a total transaction amount of approximately 3.2 billion pesos ($55.2 million), to accelerate the project progress.
Funding Needs and Completion Status
Travellers International President and CEO Nilo Thaddeus Rodriguez stated that the project still requires about $450 million in investment to complete the construction of the casino complex. This funding will be used for the remaining construction and equipment installation.
According to the latest assessment, the Westside City IR project is currently about 75% complete, with major components delivered and ready for execution, laying the groundwork for the new project management team to take over smoothly.
Engineering Management and Professional Support
Arcadis Philippines has completed a 64-month consulting service, providing comprehensive guidance and management support for the project. The company collaborates through its offices in Macau, Hong Kong, and Manila to provide one-stop solutions.
Arcadis Philippines project manager Joseph Atabug stated, "Over the past five years of collaboration, we have overcome unprecedented challenges and pushed this iconic project to the brink of completion."
Pandemic Impact and Response Measures
Suntrust Construction Director Alex Chan noted that Arcadis' professional services effectively safeguarded the engineering progress during the pandemic and lockdown periods. Through innovative project management methods and remote collaboration technologies, the project continued to advance during difficult times.
The multi-regional office collaboration model ensured that project management and technical guidance could continue even during global travel restrictions, minimizing the impact of the pandemic on engineering progress.
Market Positioning and Expected Impact
Once completed, the Westside City IR project will become another world-class gaming resort destination in the Philippines. The project targets the high-end market, offering a complete entertainment, accommodation, and gaming experience.
This project will significantly enhance Manila's competitiveness in the Asian entertainment and gaming market, attracting more international tourists and high-end customers, making an important contribution to the tourism and economic development of the Philippines.
Future Development and Regional Benefits
Upon completion, the project is expected to create numerous job opportunities and stimulate local economic development. As a comprehensive resort, it will offer a variety of entertainment facilities and services to meet the needs of different customer groups.
The successful operation of Westside City IR will further consolidate the Philippines' position as an important gaming tourism destination in Asia, promoting national tourism revenue growth and infrastructure development.
