Last year the Noble Organisation was turned down twice by Blackpool Council for planning permission for a casino at the former Palace nightclub. At the time the council wanted nothing to harm its chances of winning the coveted super casino licence. Time and tides move on, as do councillors, and an independent inspector overturned the previous decision. There are, however, conditions attached to the planning permission and Noble must still obtain a gaming licence for the venue.

The application for gaming tables and slot machines includes a restaurant and showbar for the 3-storey building on Blackpool Promenade. The £6 million (US$12 million) scheme must have the restaurant and showbar operational before the casino is allowed to open. The outside of the building must also be upgraded first, in a move to improve the appearance and character of the area.

Noble Organisation owns Coral Island amusement park in Blackpool and consistently opposed Blackpool’s super casino bid. A newspaper advertisement urging MPs to vote for Manchester was backed by Noble. The Gateshead-based company was much criticised in Blackpool and was accused of running gambling sheds sucking in the vulnerable and making no contribution to the town. Noble maintains it has invested millions in Blackpool and Coral Island attracts around four million visitors a year. (E-05.21.07)

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