In February last year magistrates in Bournemouth decided there was no demand for another casino licence and refused an application by developer Waterimage Ltd for a new casino at the former ice rink location owned by Luminar Leisure. French casino operator Lucien Barrière, part of the Bournemouth partnership, is now to try its luck in Leeds.

The initial application for a casino licence for the Majestyk site near Leeds City Railway Station was rejected at the end of last year. Waterimage, the partnership between Luminar Group Holdings plc and the French hotel and casino group Barrière are to appeal this decision and hope for a more favourable response than they received in Bournemouth.

The Majestic Casino would provide over 100 new jobs at a multi-entertainment venue. A cabaret and live entertainment venue is planned for the ground floor along with gaming tables and slot machines The basement would house a sports bar and an upper balcony would include a restaurant and private gaming room. The project must show a hearing at Leeds Crown Court on 26 June that a new casino facility would be in demand or of benefit to the city.

In Bournemouth casinos were already operated in the town by Rank’s Grosvenor Casinos and Gala Casinos. Another development with an Aspers casino is underway. Similarly Leeds is home to Grosvenor and Gala casinos with a London Clubs International Alea Casino. The established casino companies opposed the Waterimage licence application in Bournemouth and are expected to make the same objections in Leeds. (E-05.05.09)

© Copyright 2009 CasinoCompendium



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