Rezoning doesn't help Dreamworld become more like Disney or Universal

Ardent Leisure CEO Deborah Thomas defends the rezoning by hinting at a Disney or Universal style precinct. It sounds great – but their major tourism zoning already allows for this.

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How I see it-

This is 100% a cash grab by Ardent Leisure to prop up the books. 

The most useful information I got from the ASX update was this.

“engage with third party developers to discuss potential development opportunities”

Ardent Leisure aren’t in the business of hotels.  How does DW compete with Village new hotel when Ardent do not build hotels?  They sell the land and get somebody else to do it.

How does Ardent Leisure compete with MW night-time precinct?  They sell the land and get somebody else to do it.

Even if Ardent have the vision of a CityWalk what another party is willing to do and Ardent want could be 2 completely different things.

A lot of members of Parkz would remember Dreamworlds failed attempts to establish at night time scene with AVPX laser tag, V8 simulators, Flowrider & Dreamworld Cinema.

DW failed Skeet’s number one rule.  Make it unique.  DW believes that I’m willing to drive past 5 other laser tags places on my way to DW, just because this laser tag is at DW.

This is what Village continues to do so much better than DW.  Bringing unique experiences that you can’t do anywhere else in Australia.

 

 

In other news, the wolves have started to position themselves to strike.

“The company is preparing to face down a push for board representation from two activist investors who have snapped up almost 8 per cent of the company.

Ardent has confirmed that Ariadne Australia directors Dr Gary Weiss and Mr Kevin Seymour requested board seats early this month, but a formal meeting has yet to take place.

The company has attempted to pre-empt the push with a management shake-up that last month saw the appointment of a new chief executive, Simon Kelly, the sidelining of previous boss Deborah Thomas and a strategic review of the business by external consultants.”

Edited May 26, 20179 yr by Skeeta

maybe it's a good thing some new blood could be just what we need to bring DW back to life. because the current board just isn't cutting it.