£6m casino plan for New Brighton
Regeneration plans for New Brighton have been given a major boost with the proposed development of a £6m seafront casino.
Operator Grosvenor plan to open the casino next spring with the creation of 120 jobs.
The firm was linked with a major venture at Birkenhead’s Europa Boulevard next to Conway Park railway station. But the £24m scheme , including a casino, offices and a hotel, was abandoned by Wirral Council last year. Grosvenor and other developers were told by the council last July that it was terminating the project because of concerns about whether it would ever take place.
Rob Mason, director for New Brighton developers Neptune, said Grosvenor’s venture fitted in with its initial plans, which included permission for a casino or bingo hall.
He said the decision was “fantastic news” which could help attract other major national chains to the Marine Point project.
He commented: “This is an international company investing in New Brighton attracting other national chains. There will be a real upturn in interest.”
Several years ago Wirral Council threw out plans from an American organisation to develop a casino at Fort Perch Rock.
Neptune is currently involved with talks with operators for bars and restaurants at Marine Point as seafront construction work continues there.
Next week the developer will hand over the supermarket building to Morrisons for fitting out to begin prior to October’s opening. The same month the digital cinema The Light is expected to open and in August a Travelodge hotel should be ready.
By September some restaurants should be opening their doors.
Wirral Council are holding a jobs fair at the Floral Pavilion on May 23 relating to employment opportunities at Marine Point.
THE GLOBE
