Major Players Ready To Gamble On Casino
Some of the world's biggest gaming companies are prepared to gamble hundreds of millions of pounds on Blackpool if the resort wins the UK's first regional casino licence.
As the deadline last night passed for towns and cities to submit their bids for the licence, Blackpool's submission anticipates a massive £359m investment in the Central Station site which has been earmarked as a new conference and casino quarter.
The bid also unveils, for the first time, that operators from around the globe have lodged their formal interest in building what would be the country's biggest gambling emporium.
From the UK, Stanley Genting, Hilton/Ladbrokes, Rank, London Clubs International and Aspers are among the contenders.
American-based heavyweights Las Vegas Sands, Isle of Capri, Harrahs, Resorts International and Mohecan Sun have pitched in, while South African operator Sun International would also want to win invest its millions.
Although some names have been bandied around in the past, it is the first time such a comprehensive list of possible casino operators has been officially revealed.
However, the council has not entered into partnerships with any company so far because it wants to wait until the licence is awarded.
The submission also reveals how the development would be phased, with the actual casino built first on publicly-owned land, with the conference centre to follow.
It says: "Initially it will centre on publicly owned land and accommodate the regional casino, strategic access roads, parking, hotel, leisure and retail uses.
"A second phase will follow immediately, embrace land and buildings in private ownership, and provide additional hotel, leisure and retail uses and the conference, exhibition and entertainment complex.
"This phased approach is dictated by the need to secure early completion of the regional casino and plan an orderly relocation of some existing uses to already identified external sites."
Aware that up to 45 other towns and cities are also vying for the licence, Blackpool's submission describes the resort's case as "compelling".
It says: "Only in Blackpool is the casino the central focus and catalyst for the regeneration of an entire town, generating disproportionately large benefits because of the synergy with other masterplan projects."
The bid also sets out how Blackpool would cope with problem gambling, and why something so dynamic is needed to reverse the town's fortunes in the wake of declining visitor numbers.
Council leader Coun Roy Fisher today said: "We've submitted a very strong bid explaining why a casino is so important for Blackpool. Many of our competitors have numerous catalysts for regeneration, but we believe that a casino is the best option for Blackpool. It will improve our economy and the lives of local people. We are optimistic in the strength of our argument. We know local people are behind us in this and we are all awaiting the views of the Casino Advisory Panel."
The CAP – an independent panel – will now consider all the bids and notify those which are shortlisted by May. It will then make its recommendation to the Government in December this year.
