Previous renderings included a marina on the Elizabeth River, revitalizing several derelict wharfs at the site.

The new plans also no longer call for work to be done on the direct waterfront, with the entire project north of the Elizabeth River Trail. “I’ve been part of the conversation that they will build the entire project and what has been submitted in the past was unacceptable, suggesting a building (of) the casino and the garage and not having the hotel, spa resort included” in the same proposal, Alexander said. Alexander said council will approve the construction of the project as one detailed package, not in any piecemeal approach that requires multiple approvals from councils.

Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander said this week he hadn’t seen the newly submitted plans yet, but stood by his commitment that the city would approve plans that deliver what the voters approved in a 2020 referendum and what is reflected in the original agreement. It’s unclear whether city leaders will support the latest iteration of the plan, which is designed as one proposal but envisions opening in multiple phases. “We need to start construction in spring of ‘24 to meet our statutory requirement of opening game operations by November 2025,” Smith said.

HeadWaters developers are “committed” to spend at least half a billion dollars on the casino project, which includes a 300-room hotel, fitness and spa area, restaurants, and 65,000-square foot casino floor, said Jay Smith, a spokesperson for HeadWaters. But casino representatives said the plan is for at least some casino gaming operations to begin in 2025 while construction of other parts of the development, including the hotel and spa, is ongoing. There are no details in the documents submitted to the city about the construction timeline or full cost of the project. The plans are slated to first be reviewed at a Jan. The final site plans must be reviewed and ultimately approved by City Council before Norfolk will sell the necessary land for the project, which is adjacent to Harbor Park and the Elizabeth River. The Pamunkey Indian Tribe and its casino development team have resubmitted plans for the HeadWaters Resort and Casino project that show a more compact footprint without a marina and envision the casino opening before the rest of the facility. E-Pilot Evening Edition Home Page Close Menu

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