SUPER CASINO BID

The shortlist of regions which could be chosen to have a super casino is due to be announced later this month, and Wakefield Council is optimistic it has one of the strongest bids.

Wakefield's bid is currently being considered by the Casino Advisory Panel and is one of 27 bids nationwide, five of which are from the Yorkshire and Humber region.

Wakefield Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Regeneration Phil Dobson said: "We believe we have one of the strongest bids against the criteria set out by the Department for Culture Media and Sport. The preferred site at Glasshoughton is one of considerable regional importance and has the ability to be developed straight away if we are chosen. It is also perfectly placed to create a significant visitor destination to benefit the whole region.

"A super casino scheme in Wakefield will bring superb regenerative benefits to the area, including the creation of jobs and would also attract further funding potential and inward investment."

The casino would be funded by the private sector and would total £250m capital investment.

Research has demonstrated the potential of such mixed-use schemes and the benefits for a district like Wakefield. The scheme would include a 14,000 capacity community stadium, 180,000 sq ft five star hotel, 180,000sq ft casino with an associated development including restaurants.

There are 3.6m people within one hour's drive of the proposed site and there would be an improved railway service from Leeds. It is hoped 1,255 jobs will be created at the casino and 2,000 during construction.

The District and Leeds City region would receive contributions of over £130m over 10 years to implement key regeneration schemes in the region and output in Yorkshire and the Humber would increase by £56.1m in first year rising to £65.6m within eight years.

Ref: PR837
Date: 17/05/06

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