French top casino operator Lucienne Barriere's plans to develop casinos in the UK in association with Luminar Leisure PLC started when the country had the possibility of approval of leisure promoting gaming legislation. The Milton Keynes entertainment company, which runs 204 entertainment venues through the country, had plans for a former ice rink venue in Bournemouth, a coastal city resort on the English Channel, which at present hosts two casinos.

As part of Waterimage Ltd., the vehicle for the French -British joint venture, the ice rink in Bournemouth is the ideal place for a new and modern entertainment venue, which would materialize as a project called Majestic Casino, with facilities that are not available in the existing casino properties. Nonetheless, the local council is opposing the Waterimage venture on the somewhat trumped up basis reported by local media, where Council leader Stephen MacLoughlin cried "We don't want another casino."

MacLouglin's tantrum belies the council's position to develop a casino project of its own across the road from the proposed Majestic Casino venue in chic Westsover Road. Reportedly, a licence for a third casino has already been granted to a project led by UK operators Aspers. Indeed, as part of the new casino legislation, which permits the development in the country of 8 large casinos and 8 small casinos with new facilities for Las Vegas type slots, Bournemouth Council supported an application for a large casino, which presumably would have added another casino to the city if successful.

In a town which back in the 80's operated 5 casinos, there can be no reason against licensing up to 3 other gaming venues, as the economy of the country and the city has seen unparalleled progress since then. Apart from the council, local established casino operators Stanley Leisure and Gala are opposing the Waterimage gaming licence application, which will be heard at the local Magistrates Court on the week beginning Monday 21 January.

According to Waterimage, The Majestic casino will be a high quality entertainment complex catering for the over-30s, providing different elements to cater for varying markets such as small corporate events. 'Gaming would form only a small part of the ground floor which would boast an upmarket sportsman's bar, bistro, cabaret room and bar with live entertainment. Upstairs there would be an a la carte restaurant, cocktail bar and a poker room which could host major competitions."

One can understand the two local casinos opposing the Waterimage casino application because it will up the ante on the entertainment stakes for the venues, and is sure to leave behind properties restricted by outdated locations and facilities. New investment of around US$17 million and the creation of 150 new jobs, with a product offer from Lucienne Barriere as seen in its French properties coupled with a new entertainment and service culture, should not be opposed for a buoyant city like Bournemouth. People like McLoughlin should welcome more investment and improved facilities. (E-01.08.08)

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