It is not just Manchester that sees development plans stuck in limbo after being selected for one of the new casino licences. Manchester received the biggest knock when euphoria at winning the bid for the one super casino turned into anger and dismay over the storm of protest that ensued, culminating in the vote against the package of new licences in the House of Lords. A report from Yarmouth, chosen by the Casino Advisory Panel for a large casino, suggests that local businesses are unable to invest further in the town because of the uncertainty.

It seems that Yarmouth Council will not make any decision on development of the sea front owing to possible future investment in a leisure complex that would include the casino. Since the Council will not undertake to give definite answers, for several years local businesses have been unable to finalise expansion plans or make further investments. Yarmouth Council maintains it would be irresponsible for it to give guarantees of security to smaller developers when there was the possibility of large-scale investment in a Golden Mile leisure complex.

Blackpool, which apparently considers it has a divine right to have Britain’s first super casino, is to continue with its plans. ReBlackpool has applied for outline planning permission for two big casinos, three hotels, a conference centre, offices and a Winter Promenade on a 20-acre site, and Councillors will discuss the application next week. The regeneration company has decided to continue with its proposal in order to show that Blackpool is ready for such a development.

The application includes a central casino and another in the north-east of the site. Both would be over 12,000 sq m and also have amusement arcades, nightclubs and some retail outlets. The leader of Blackpool Council, Peter Callow, has reportedly said that potential investors must see that the town is on the move again and won’t quit because of one setback. It is difficult to know whether Blackpool’s continuing pursuit of a regional casino licence demonstrates incredible faith and optimism or a determined effort to shut out reality. (E-08.02.07)

© Copyright 2007 CasinoCompendium



>>> return to archives
>>> return to frontpage