Yarmouth close to developing a new casino while Manchester considers super casino options
Landmark plans to build a casino complex in Yarmouth are reported to be entering their final stages, with four developers bidding to construct a gaming hall in the Norfolk town.
Yarmouth was awarded one of eight large casino licences early in 2007 and sources suggest that the borough council of the area are close to selecting a developer for the project.
According to a council spokesperson, over sixty developers had expressed an interest in developing a casino complex, but the council has narrowed the choice down to a final four. Tim Howard, the council's head of regeneration, stated that the four were all casino-based projects.
"Some of the developers decided to pursue other investments and we decided others were not right for this type of project," he said.
Two developers have publicly expressed their interest in the site. Albert Jones, owner of the Yarmouth Pleasure Beach complex, is known to have submitted plans for a £35 million casino complex. Patrick Duffy, possessor of a local casino chain in the area has also proposed a £35 million scheme.
The government cabinet member for regeneration, Graham Plant, said that the council would choose a scheme which would be most beneficial to the local economy. He stated that they would be looking at proposals for "something sustainable to provide all-year-round employment".
Meanwhile, it has been revealed that proposals for the redevelopment of the Manchester site previously earmarked for the UK's first super casino will be announced over summer.
Despite seeing plans for the super casino scrapped early last year, council members are certain that new plans for the site will generate the same number of jobs as the casino. While the super casino was billed as a catalyst for regeneration in the area, local figures are confident that their plans to develop the area will succeed.
New East Manchester chief executive, Eddie Smith, said:
"This year will see the start of some major projects bringing very significant levels of public and private sector investment to continue regenerating East Manchester and to improve further the quality of life for existing and new residents."