Boost For NEC Super Casino Plan

Solihull Council has leapt ahead of Birmingham in the race to win a regional super-casino - by backing proposals by the National Exhibition Centre.

The move has come as Birmingham City Council still awaits an independent report into whether it should back the NEC or support plans for a £340 million super-casino at the new Blues stadium.

City council regeneration boss Ken Hardeman today denied Solihull now had the edge over Birmingham - although the latest news could see the councils at loggerheads over rival bids.

Solihull's proposal will be submitted to the Casino Advisory Panel, which will advise the Government on the quality of proposals and best locations put forward.

The authority will argue that a regional casino at the NEC will secure the maximum benefits for the local and West Midlands local economy.

It will highlight the national and international transport connections enjoyed by the site, which is close to Birmingham International Airport and Birmingham International railway station.

The bid will also argue that the NEC location is not directly next to any residential areas.

Coun Ian Hillas, Deputy Leader of Conservative-run Solihull Council, said: "This is not just about developing a gambling opportunity, more a leisure destination. This is a major opportunity for our region, which would bring regeneration, employment and business. And while this is a submission of proposal, rather than location, we are in no doubt that the NEC would be an excellent location for this type of scheme."

The proposal will be submitted by March 31, after which it will provide recommendations to Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell by the end of 2006.

A spokeswoman for Birmingham City Council said the authority was still awaiting the results of an investigation by chartered accountants KPMG into the Blues scheme.

Coun Ken Hardeman, cabinet member for regeneration, denied Birmingham was falling behind Solihull because deliberations were not yet site-specific.

"Birmingham is working on its submission," he said. "But we don't, at this point, have to identify a site. All we have to identify is whether Birmingham City Council wants to make a case as to why it should have a regional casino. The fact Solihull has said 'we're going to back the NEC,' doesn't give them any edge over Birmingham City Council."