...Of which I know nothing about. Someone update us!!

Good thread Butters :yes:

Wolves - small casino next to the race course (a "racino") up to 750 sq m and up to 80 slot machines maximum payout of £4000

NEC - large casino up to 1500 sq m and up to 150 £4000 machines

They can include dining, bars, bingo and other forms of betting.

:)

Thanks Bio! It's not something I'd usually get excited about but, well, I'm quite excited! :happy:

:lol:

Having a Wolverhampton casino is a small consolation I suppose. I would have preffered it by the Molineux though, even if there is a lack of land.

Blimey, imagine what you'd have been like if we'd got the 1,000 slot machine prize!! (to Butterfield)

im glad we didnt get it really. obviously i wouldve liked the money to have supported a birmingham stadium. i dont think gambling is unethical or wrong or anything i just think it's a bit tacky and gross on such a grand scale.

Having a Wolverhampton casino is a small consolation I suppose. I would have preffered it by the Molineux though, even if there is a lack of land.

A casino at molineux would've been the worst possible place. The land is limited and what there is of it is planned for the expansion of the stadium. Id rather have more car-parking then a small casino anywhere near the golden palace.

You do know there is a renowned poker room opposite the stadium?

But what does that have to do with a medium sized casino surrounding 28,000 football fans who cant even keep a pie in thier mouths for more then 3 seconds.

It would be an awful place to put a casino, not only that, they would have to buy the lease of Molineux and the city council and by the time thats done your looking at a mega bill already not to mention the collapse of any future development at the stadium itself.

The cities football team is far more important then a regional casino. They can travel 10 miles down the road for one of those. They will only ever have 1 Wolverhampton Wanderers.

I had no idea about these either but it certainly seems interesting. In my opinion, having small casinos really is safer than having this super-casino Manchester won:

1. If the supercasino is a failure that it will have a huge impact on the area.
2. Security at the supercasino has to be tighter as well.

But it's good to see these. We will still have more casinos than Manchester though :).

Having a Wolverhampton casino is a small consolation I suppose. I would have preffered it by the Molineux though, even if there is a lack of land.

Given that betting already happens at Dunstall I would think Molineux is a non starter (plus Dunstall has plenty of space and a hotel)

I have had a think about it and I have to agree, the Molineux isn't a good place for it. The place I was thinking of was just north of Asda where all those council blocks are. Where exactly is the one at Dunstall going to be built? West of the canal on the land next to Aldersley Stadium or to the East on land next to the race course?

The place I was thinking of was just north of Asda where all those council blocks are.

Oi! :nono: :ohno:

I have had a think about it and I have to agree, the Molineux isn't a good place for it. The place I was thinking of was just north of Asda where all those council blocks are. Where exactly is the one at Dunstall going to be built? West of the canal on the land next to Aldersley Stadium or to the East on land next to the race course?

I remember seeing a render which had it attached to the racecourse hotel, built on the current car park. It was called the "Racino" Mind you there's so much car park space at Dunstall they could build it anywhere

^^That's the fella!

Don't know if this sheds any more light but while surfing I found these

Is it a racecourse? Is it a casino? No, it's a racino

Arena Leisure, the racetrack operator, outlined plans to build Britain's first "racino", a combined racing and casino venue, in Wolverhampton.

Mark Elliott, the chief executive, said he would submit a planning application in the next couple of months for Wolverhampton racecourse to expand the existing hotel from 54 beds to 170, build a new leisure complex with a swimming pool and incorporate a casino within the racecourse.

At a cost of pounds 20m, the "racino" would be the first of its kind in the UK' the US and Canadaalready boast about a dozen. Unlike many other racecourses in Britain which are in rural areas, Wolverhampton racecourse is close to the city centre and therefore a good candidate to be combined with a casino.

Wolverhampton City Council has been shortlisted for one of the eight large casino licences up for grabs under the new Gambling Act.

and

What is a Racino?

Ask any gambler in America what the word Racino means, and no doubt they could tell you without any difficulty. But in Europe, the word is little known, up until now that is, for things may be about to change. If you live in the UK, there may be a Racino about to pop up right near you!

According to wordspy.com the meaning of the word RACINO is:
‘A horse racing track that also includes slot machines, video gambling terminals, or other casino features.’

A flagship master plan for a Racino in Wolverhampton, UK had its planning application previously turned down after a Government Inspector said the venue was in greenbelt land.

But the plans, consisting of a casino, health club, and bigger hotel at Dunstall Park Racecourse are ready to go before Wolverhampton City Council any day now, according to David Roberts, managing director of Dunstall Park. As quoted by the Express and Star Newspaper, David Roberts apparently said: “Plans are pretty much ready to be submitted any day now.

We are hoping we have got everything in the right order and are just looking for the final sign-off from our chief executive.”

http://www.whatcasino.com/news/what_is_racino.htm

Bingo!

http://www.arenaleisureplc.com/ongoing-developments/wolverhampton.html

From Auntie Beeb:

Plans for the UK's first "Racino" - a casino at a racecourse - have been submitted in the West Midlands.
The owners of Wolverhampton Racecourse want to build a 170-bedroom hotel, improve horseracing and conference facilities and create the casino.

It follows the recent announcement by the government to propose a "small" casino be built in Wolverhampton.

Racecourse owners Arena Leisure Plc said the development would cost £23m and create up to 280 jobs.

In a statement, Arena said it was "delighted" the city of Wolverhampton was recommended as a small casino location and that the racecourse "played such a prominent role in its successful application".

They are quick off the mark!

I heared on the radio this morning that Manchester securing the first Super Casino is no longer a "done deal" any more! Think things could be about to change ...... what a difference a month makes, eh!!?

I heared on the radio this morning that Manchester securing the first Super Casino is no longer a "done deal" any more! Think things could be about to change ...... what a difference a month makes, eh!!?

I'd heard a rumour about that too. Blackpool are supposed to be getting some lawyers to look at it again.

Oh, and one of the shareholders in the Manchester casino site, a certain Mr. Mick Hucknall has given money to the Labour Party in the past!

Hmmmmmmmmm.

:lol:

Someone posted on one of the city threads (or Mcr's supercasino thread created by yours truly) that the government is likely to go "oh well, you can all have one then".

I wonder where the revenue would be directed? *cough* Olympics bail-out *cough*

im sorry, this is not manc bashing honestly. but why the hell did manchester win? blackpool is the logical choice - it's already a resort and people go there to do this sort of thing. plus they really need the benefits because the place is going under. manchester makes about as much sense as leeds or sheffield or somewhere like that. why dump it smack bang into a residential area on an already congested road?

I agree Mcr should have got it (well, we should have but as we were not on the shortlist...)

It needs regeneration in East Mcr (tick box), is a large enough city to do the casino trial without major social effects (they hope) and has good transport links.

If it went wrong, Mcr could survive. If it was in Blackpool, it could kill it.

Blackpool is dying anyway, don't think a super casino in Blackpool would be the deciding factor that would kill it, it would just prolong it's miserable existence!

I'd heard a rumour about that too. Blackpool are supposed to be getting some lawyers to look at it again.

Oh, and one of the shareholders in the Manchester casino site, a certain Mr. Mick Hucknall has given money to the Labour Party in the past!

Hmmmmmmmmm.

No, he is a shareholder in Ask - one of the developers bidding to build the casino.

I agree Mcr should have got it (well, we should have but as we were not on the shortlist...)

It needs regeneration in East Mcr (tick box), is a large enough city to do the casino trial without major social effects (they hope) and has good transport links.

If it went wrong, Mcr could survive. If it was in Blackpool, it could kill it.


Manchester has virtually admitted their success was a con job.
Having won the Casino, they are now saying that 'of course, where we said we would build it for regeneration reasons is not actually on any more - that location is entirely the wrong place for a casino as nobody would want to go there.'
As the main reason the 'independent' ha,ha, panel chose Manchester was their superior regeneration claims, any change in site location should immediately put the whole thing back in play - I won't hold my breath though.

Blackpool is dying anyway...

Everybody keeps saying that but it didn't stop Blackpool being one of, if not the most visited attraction in Britain last year along with the likes of the Natural History Museum and friends.

Virtually every other stag/hen night arranged from the Midlands northwards takes place in Blackpool, think that's where a lot of the "visitor" statistics come from!

Well give it 50 years and blackpool will be the new costa del blackpool with global warming and hotter summers.

Radio 4 today had an interview with leader of Mcr council. What makes it double dodgy is they are not tied to the east side of manchester despite the regeneration bid supposedly for east manchester. The leader of council said would like it to be in east mcr for regeneration but depends on those building it. All a bit of a bollocks up. It was a shock for Mcr as much as everyone else to get it when it looked like London or Blackpool.

Well, not being funny, but let Mcr crow now. If it goes tits up at least not in Brum.
As for regeneration, Brum probably had strongest bet in that if you build it at NEC then use profits to fund new stadium you get regeneration, business and tourist visitors and doesnt create crime or other problems for a local housing area.

Well, easier in hindsight but hey.

MPs urge probe into super-casino

Only one super-casino licence will be issued this parliament
The surprise decision to award the super-casino licence to Manchester should be examined by Parliament, a growing number of MPs and peers say.
Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell announced the decision in January after an independent advisory panel had studied other cities' bids.

However, Blackpool MPs are among 81 MPs who have signed a Parliamentary motion asking for it to be reconsidered.

Manchester Council leader Richard Leese said he was concerned at the criticism.

Parliament has yet to vote on the final site, but Manchester was the top choice of an independent advisory panel - much to Blackpool's disappointment.



BBC News (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6397705.stm)

Am I right in thinking that MGM Mirage were going to run the super-casino if the NEC got it? If so, will they also be likely to run the large casino, or will it have to go to tender or whatever?

I mentioned this on another thread, but if our council had gone for this at the "Eastside" site then it seems we'd have had a good chance of getting it - Birmingham would have got a new (much needed) stadium into the bargin as well as a host of community and sports facilities. Instead they opted for a site that already had a stadium(???) in Manchester that arguably doesn't need the kickstart that this casino would bring - on the other hand, the Brum site would be a very exciting vision that would bring REAL regeneration.

In addition to what others have said, I also heard that Manchester we're not tied to the MCFC site (can't figure that out!) and that some Blackpool MPs even suggest that the decision is not a binding one and could be thrown out by the Commons if they disagree with the recommendation.

The CAP were awarding to the council only, not the site, so Mcr can stick it where it wants. The impact of the casino would be felt across the city, and Blackpool was too small to cope with a trial (they may get a full one eventually, as long as the trials work out OK.)

I was a huge supporter of the BCFC bid, but then I switched sides, for several reasons:
- the immediate local populace is largely muslim, so it is pretty insensitive to put it there. That said, they were broadly supportive and mainly because of the accompanying sports facilities and job opportunities
- Vegas Sands (or whoever they were) had sewn up the contract hugely in their favour, with copyrights all over the place. Whilst this may have allowed BCFC some scope for input, and BCC would have got a free stadium, we would have had little or no input on the requirements.
- the only thing that was agreed is that the stadium would be built next to the casino and would be given to the council. The 'sports village' depended on the success of the casino, football club, council etc.

The NEC made more sense IMO as it would bolster the NEC's reputation, minimise impact on local populace, already had good transport links, be easily accessible as a NATIONAL casino, and as the council had already agreed, the takings were to be ring-fenced to fund the stadium in Saltley anyway. We just wouldn't have had a casino in Eastside complicating things.

NEC unveils its casino plan
Mar 15 2007
By Steve Pain, Deputy Business Editor

The NEC Group has used Mipim – the world's largest commercial property showcase – to unveil what the future could look like at the UK’s busiest exhibition centre as it starts the process of selecting a partner to create a casino-based leisure development at the venue.

The NEC plan

Senior figures from the West Midlands-based management company that operates The NEC and NEC Arena, together with the ICC and National Indoor Arena in central Birmingham, were in Cannes looking to engage with potential partners to develop the first phase of their vision – a gaming and leisure complex.

The proposal for a joint casino and hotel development, with supporting leisure facilities, follows the UK Casino Advisory Panel’s recent recommendation that Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council should have the ability to grant a Large Casino Licence, under the UK Gambling Act 2005.

It is expected that Solihull will run a competition for the licence should the Advisory Panel’s recommendations be agreed by Parliament.

The NEC has already announced its intention to take part in that competition. Future phases of regeneration will focus on The NEC’s lakeside area, with a number of possibilities being considered.

One idea could be the development of architecturally vibrant buildings known as "expo pavilions" where organisations will be able to permanently showcase their brands. Further conference and training facilities will also be evaluated.

The NEC Group says that all plans under consideration will complement the more temporary opportunities that are currently available to event organisers and exhibitors.

NEC Group chief operating officer John Hornby yesterday joined the strong Birmingham delegation at Mipim.

As well as supporting the broader Birmingham presence, the NEC Group will also be looking for potential developer/operators to promote and undertake a vibrant gaming-anchored leisure development, complementing existing facilities and activity on the NEC site.

Mr Hornby said: "This is the next exciting phase of NEC Group development. After demonstrating vision and leadership by creating The NEC in the 1970s and then adding additional halls together with the city centre venues in the 1980s and 1990s, The NEC Group and its shareholder Birmingham City Council, are now considering the third generation of development on the Solihull site to ensure that The NEC remains the UK and Europe’s busiest events venue.

"Our overarching vision is to create a destination with a particular focus on the corporate market, whilst also leveraging the growing consumer market. We will be capitalising on The NEC’s unrivalled programme of trade and consumer exhibitions and the hundreds of live music events showcased at the NEC Arena every year."

The NEC Group is expected to formally engage with potential gaming and leisure complex partners in the second half of 2007, when it will work hard to win the Solihull Large Casino licence. No firm plans will be developed for future phases until a large casino on The NEC site has been confirmed....

That sounds great. They have to up their game as London are thinking o having a convention centre possibly in the West End.

Where would they stick that. They do allright with earls court and Excel even though they are on either side of city.

Thing with NEC is, it always will have a bit of an advantage as its on an airport and intercity connection and also central to UK. London would present some problems for people wanting to hop off train and go to centre like at NEC, there would at least need to be a tube rail. Maybe they are thinking about it as part of crossrail.

There's a bit of discussion in LDN at the mo. Ken wants it in the West End but the wiser people say it should be near a main railway station. They favour Kings X and the Argent development there.

If they did it there would be very good for international events as the Eurostar will stop at St Pancras.
Argent are going to do a superb job with Kings X.

But at least our NEC has an airport. You would still need to travel from airport if you were going to it. I guess its all swings and roundabouts. It certainly wouldnt have the capacity that the NEC group has in total with ICC, NEC, NIA, Symphony Hall and I guess the linked Town Hall now.

Government drops supercasino plan

The government has dropped plans to build a supercasino in Manchester, the BBC has learned.

But it has decided it will still go ahead with 16 smaller casinos in different parts of the country. ..

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/7231360.stm

Good news for the NEC, Wolverhampton is already underway/in planning but bad news for Mcr. But then again, maybe not - they can concentrate on regenerating East Mcr properly (the government has offered assistance, by way of an apology I suspect).

I think a Casino would do good in the eastside by VTP200 because... Well I dont really know. However I dont think it would be possible cause all the bright light would flash into the nearby homes:(

This is great news, a Regional Casino is just what is needed at the NEC and it's actually going ahead.
All those punters attending exhibitions and shows at the NEC will at at the end of the day, stagger half dazed into the Casino, drop fifty quid and then totter off to their brand new hotels only to do it again the next day.
I suspect too that at some time in the future, some Regional Casinos will be allowed to expand so lets hope the NEC leaves plenty of room for that.
New runway extension, new hotels, new Casino.
We're gonna need some more Polish plumbers. :)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/7231360.stm

Good news for the NEC, Wolverhampton is already underway/in planning but bad news for Mcr. But then again, maybe not - they can concentrate on regenerating East Mcr properly (the government has offered assistance, by way of an apology I suspect).
But is it good? Manchester City Council will be taking this to court as they bid for the super casino on the basis one would be available, ruling them out of bidding for a regional one. To be honest I'd say it was an extremely strong case and might throw the entire process out of the window (unless they get the half a billion investment they're asking for of course).

But is it good? Manchester City Council will be taking this to court as they bid for the super casino on the basis one would be available, ruling them out of bidding for a regional one. To be honest I'd say it was an extremely strong case and might throw the entire process out of the window (unless they get the half a billion investment they're asking for of course).

It is interesting to speculate which way the ruling would go. The supercasino was thrown out on a piece of parliamentary procedure rather than on a vote against the bill. It's obviously technically legal to do so, but if LAs enter a bidding process that is then made worthless by parliamentary schicanery does that make the bill itself illegal?

I'm not a lawyer, but I imagine that the government can proceed in this manner if it wants (because our constitution is made up by governments as they go along) but get a sympathetic judge and the whole thing may come off the tracks (because thankfully so in some cases is the law).

As I said, interesting.

Parliamentary impartiality will be the case against the Government. I'd love to see a Government spokesperson stand up and say that cancelling the supercasino yet allowing the regional ones (to the detriment of supercasino bidders - net expense in the hundreds of thousands) was an impartial decision. If Manchester was the best candidate for a supercasino, surely it'd also be the best candidate for a regional one?

Basically the Government has dug itself into a half a billion pound hole! :)

Won't you just be able to have a regional one instead?

I totally agree with scrapping it in the location it was chosen. Either Blackpool or Manchester's East end are bad for their impacts on deprived communities and encouraging gambling. Birmingham has the largest total lottery winnings but im pretty sure thats because a sizeable proportion of the more deprived population seek to win their way out of poverty, unhappiness ...

If Manchester has a comparable location to our NEC, where it would not be linked to local deprived communities and part of a complimentary things such as conference facilities, airport etc then I can see it working.

As for the legality of it. It will be an interesting case. Precident, procedures being followed, judicial oversight all play their part. And like all law, it can be down to a good argument by a good lawyer.

But what does that have to do with a medium sized casino surrounding 28,000 football fans who cant even keep a pie in thier mouths for more then 3 seconds.

It would be an awful place to put a casino, not only that, they would have to buy the lease of Molineux and the city council and by the time thats done your looking at a mega bill already not to mention the collapse of any future development at the stadium itself.

The cities football team is far more important then a regional casino. They can travel 10 miles down the road for one of those. They will only ever have 1 Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Casino at Coventry City's football stadium has been a huge flop.

Isn't that because it is smaller than intentioned? And it is still out on a limb isn't it? Once the area is developed it should pick up.

Isn't that because it is smaller than intentioned? And it is still out on a limb isn't it? Once the area is developed it should pick up.

It's in the middle of the city's most deprived area, and custom has been very sluggish - the place itself is apparently huge, but the anticipated law changes never happened & the tax rules changed...And for some reason they didn't even try to become a larger casino...

Exciting new render of the casino proposal. I'll scan it and post it tomorrow. (probably already been posted)

For Wolves or NEC?

We are forever in your debt :)

For Wolves or NEC?

We are forever in your debt :)

How much debt Bio? :)

It's on it's way. Just got to scan the Manchester articles first. We could do with something like this at the shelved casino site in East Manchester.

Bio there's a West Midlands supplement in this weeks edition of EGI. Some interesting stuff. If you want it let me know. PM me your address home or work and I'll send it to you.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/er.jpg

Interesting... are they really planning to build it on the lake?

Bio there's a West Midlands supplement in this weeks edition of EGI. Some interesting stuff. If you want it let me know. PM me your address home or work and I'll send it to you.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/er.jpg

I love you jrb :banana:

Looks grand! Thanks for the offer of the W Mids supplement - I will just check whether we have EG here and if not I'll PM you :) :cheers2:

Looks very interesting! Didn't we see a couple of renders of this last year just before MIPIM?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/er.jpg

http://i32.tinypic.com/359zf9v.jpg

oops, found the proper thread for this.

Regarding Casino plans


Plans Unveiled for £90m Casino at NEC Birmingham
4th June, 2008

The NEC Group has just unveiled new plans to develop the NEC venue into one of the UK’s top lesisure and entertainment complexes.

The £90 million masterplan will include a casino, hotel, spa, bars and restaurants on the site, in turn creating over 1000 new jobs and generating millions of pounds for the local economy.

The NEC Group announced that it would be partnering with Genting Stanley, a major gaming and leisure company and currently the largest casino operator in the UK with over 40 separate outlets.

Cheif Executive of the NEC Group, Paul Thandi, said of the partnership with Genting Stanley: "It has always been our first priority to find the best possible partner for the NEC, for Solihull and for the wider West Midlands – a company that shares our vision of creating places where people come to discover the future," he said. "In Genting Stanley we are confident that not only have we found a partner who shares our vision; we have also found an experienced team capable of bringing that vision to life."

Executive deputy chairman of Genting Stanley also recognises the possibilities: The proposed complex will bring quality leisure and entertainment facilities to the region and create valuable new jobs in the local economy. We are confident of being able to bring a wealth of experience and success to this project and we look forward to the opportunity of being a worthy partner to the NEC Group and demonstrating our strengths to the local government in this exciting endeavour.’’

The NEC Group has expressed dissatisfaction for a relatively long time at the site not performing as financially well as it might, currently generating £2 billion and providing 29,000 jobs, and this casino development should go a long way in curing this

http://www.gamingalerts.co.uk/news/industry-news/Plans-Unveiled-for-90m-Casino-at-NEC-Birmingham3192.html

Just found the Post article on it too, with pictures :)


£90m casino and hotel plan at NEC unveiled
Jun 4 2008 By Duncan Tift

The NEC Group has unveiled full details of its £90 million masterplan to develop the venue into one of the UK’s leading entertainment and leisure complexes.

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/birmpost/jun2008/5/2/53C78230-AAA1-F4D0-0A9187F37F1D6AE4.jpg

A casino, hotel and spa plus high quality bars and restaurants are all planned under the new initiative, which could create more than 1,000 new jobs and generate millions of pounds for the West Midlands economy.

After a year-long tender process, the NEC Group has announced gaming and leisure company Genting Stanley (Solihull) as its partner for the proposed development.

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/birmpost/jun2008/7/9/53C755DA-D862-9CFC-33501E31D09AA2EE.jpg

Genting Stanley, which recently moved its UK headquarters to Birmingham, is the largest casino operator in the country with more than 40 outlets.

The company is owned by Malaysia-based Genting International, a publicly traded subsidiary of Genting Berhad that operates resorts and casinos around the world.


The company will operate the NEC casino – provided the scheme receives the green light from planners – and the venue is expected to be a major enticement in helping to lure tourists to the area.

However, despite the importance of the casino, the building is expected to occupy less than 10 per cent of the floor area of the new development.

The scheme represents the first phase of a grand design for the NEC site designed to deliver a range of leisure and business facilities to complement the exhibition halls and arena.

The NEC Group has long argued that the site has not been operating to its greatest potential and this scheme will go a long way towards remedying this.

Group chief executive Paul Thandi said he was delighted to have secured the partnership with Genting Stanley.

"It has always been our first priority to find the best possible partner for the NEC, for Solihull and for the wider West Midlands – a company that shares our vision of creating places where people come to discover the future," he said. "In Genting Stanley we are confident that not only have we found a partner who shares our vision; we have also found an experienced team capable of bringing that vision to life."

He also used the opportunity to stress to Solihull Borough Council the importance of the scheme.

"Our proposal represents the strongest, most deliverable most exciting and most appropriate opportunity for the local area in order that we can realise our strategy of providing a world class ‘work, rest and play’ environment at the NEC," he said.

In Peter Brooks, executive deputy chairman of Genting Stanley, he has secured a powerful ally.

Mr Brooks said: "The proposed complex will bring quality leisure and entertainment facilities to the region and create valuable new jobs in the local economy.

"We are confident of being able to bring a wealth of experience and success to this project and we look forward to the opportunity of being a worthy partner to the NEC Group and demonstrating our strengths to the local government in this exciting endeavour.’’

Birmingham City Council leader Mike Whitby has also lent his support to the project. As the council is a major shareholder in the site it has a vested interest in seeing it succeed.

He said: "The NEC site has tremendous strengths as a site for the leisure and entertainment complex. There is a natural fit with the core business of exhibition and events and the venue has a long track record of welcoming visitors."

"This is an important opportunity for Birmingham and the West Midlands in helping to ensure the NEC is able to attract even more visitors into the region and to provide a world class attraction for the citizens of Birmingham and the West Midlands too," he added.

The NEC currently generates around £2 billion to the West Midlands economy and supports 29,000 jobs.

The scheme’s announcement follows the successful passage of the new Gambling Act through the House of Lords.

http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/other-uk-business/2008/06/04/90m-casino-and-hotel-plan-at-nec-unveiled-65233-21023114/

also good news, in so far as Casino's can be good with, "Genting Stanley, which recently moved its UK headquarters to Birmingham, is the largest casino operator in the country with more than 40 outlets".

The Official NEC Group Memo


After a rigorous, year-long tender process, The NEC Group, which runs the West Midlands based National Exhibition Centre, has announced Genting Stanley (Solihull) Ltd (GSSL) as its partner for the proposed development of a leisure and entertainment complex, including a large casino, at The NEC site and revealed some of the concept detail for the circa £90 million project.
Genting Stanley is the largest casino operator in the UK with more than 40 locations. The company is owned by Genting International, a publicly traded subsidiary of Genting Berhad that operates resorts and casinos around the world.

In particular, Genting Berhad, via its 48.26%-owned Resorts World Berhad, owns and operates the Genting Highlands Resort in Malaysia which offers a wide array of leisure and entertainment facilities supported by some 10,000 hotel rooms. Genting International is developing the GBP2.2 billion “Resorts World at Sentosa” integrated resort in Sentosa, Singapore which will be home to a world-class range of attractions including a Universal Studios theme park.

Although details are still being developed, a spa, hotel, high quality bars and restaurants and a casino, together with other significant leisure attractions, are all set to feature within the proposed complex. The casino is expected to comprise less than 10% of the floor area. The development is the first phase of a master plan for The NEC site designed to deliver a range of leisure and business facilities to complement the exhibition halls and arena.
The NEC Group has long argued that The NEC represents a very capable and unique site. The circa £90m proposal by Genting Stanley is set directly to create in the region of 1,000 jobs, to transform The NEC’s offer and in doing so provide a platform to allow The NEC to compete in a highly competitive global venue market, as well as to grow the £2 Billion economic impact and almost 29,000 jobs that the Group contributes each year to the regional economy.

Paul Thandi, Chief Executive of The NEC Group said:
“It has always been our first priority to find the best possible partner for The NEC, for Solihull and for the wider West Midlands. A company that shares our vision of creating places where people come to discover the future. In Genting Stanley we are confident that not only have we found a partner who shares our vision; we have also found an experienced team capable of bringing that vision to life.

“ I look forward to working with the Genting Stanley team to demonstrate to Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council that our proposal represents the strongest, most deliverable most exciting and most appropriate opportunity for the local area in order that we can realise our strategy of providing a world class ‘work, rest and play’ environment at The NEC.”
Peter Brooks Executive Deputy Chairman for Genting Stanley said:
”Genting Stanley is delighted to be partnering The NEC Group in the proposed leisure and entertainment complex development. As part of Genting International PLC, we look forward to bringing our experience as a leading destination resort specialist to The NEC.

“The proposed complex will bring quality leisure and entertainment facilities to the region and create valuable new jobs in the local economy.
“We are confident of being able to bring a wealth of experience and success to this project and we look forward to the opportunity of being a worthy partner to The NEC Group and demonstrating our strengths to the local government in this exciting endeavour.’’

Councilor Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council (NEC Group’s shareholder) said:
“The NEC site has tremendous strengths as a site for the leisure and entertainment complex. There is a natural fit with the core business of exhibition and events and the venue has a long track record of welcoming visitors. This is an important opportunity for Birmingham and the West Midlands in helping to ensure The NEC is able to attract even more visitors into the region and to provide a world class attraction for the citizens of Birmingham and the West Midlands too, all of which adds to our reputation and further boosts the £2 Billion and 29,000 local jobs that The NEC Group contributes to the regional economy every year."

The announcement by The NEC Group follows the recent completion of the passage of the two Statutory Orders relating to the new casino developments (Categories of Casino and Geographical Distribution of Large and Small Casino Premises Licences) through both Houses of Parliament and comes shortly before confirmation of the local competitive process that prospective bidders will need to complete in order to demonstrate that their proposal represents the greatest benefit for their local area.
NEC and its shareholder, Birmingham City Council, were advised by Joelson Wilson and Savills throughout the tender process. Genting Stanley was advised by Eversheds.
ENDS

For further information:
The NEC Group Press Office
0121 767 3214
For Genting Stanley:
Phil Hall Associates - 0207 535 3363 or 0207 535 3352
Notes to Editors:

About The NEC
The National Exhibition Centre (NEC) welcomes over three million visitors each year to hundreds of trade and consumer shows including Crufts, Gardeners World, The Clothes Show Live and the international giftware show for which it first opened, in 1976, Spring Fair.
The NEC is the UK's most successful exhibition venue with over 40% of UK exhibitions held on the site every year and it is also a successful player on the world stage being one of the few international exhibition venues capable of staging major global events such ITMA (The International Textile Machinery Exhibition) which is one of the largest trade exhibitions - and the largest single sector trade show - in the world.

The NEC is part of The NEC Group which also operates The NEC Arena, National Indoor Arena and International Convention Centre Birmingham.

Delivering more than £2 billion in economic impact every year and supporting up almost 29,000 jobs, the four NEC Group venues are an important engine for the West Midlands and wider UK economy. They are owned by Birmingham City Council and the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry with Birmingham City Council receiving all of the financial benefit of NEC's operating performance and bearing the burden of interest charges relating to its debts. For further information please visit the company’s website at www.necgroup.co.uk.


About the Genting Group:

The Genting Group (www.genting.com) is Malaysia’s leading multinational corporation and one of Asia’s best-managed companies. It has over 27,000 employees, 4,450 hectares of prime resort land and more than 80,000 hectares of plantation land. The Genting Group is the collective name for Genting Berhad and its group of companies, namely Resorts World Bhd, Asiatic Development Berhad and Genting International PLC with a combined market capitalisation of over RM62 billion (US$19 billion). The Genting Group has significant interests in the leisure & hospitality, power generation, oil palm plantation, property development and oil & gas related industries.
Genting International PLC (“Genting International”), listed on the Main Board of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited, is a leading integrated resorts development specialist with over 20 years of international gaming expertise and global experience in developing, operating and/or marketing internationally acclaimed casinos and integrated resorts in different parts of the world, including Australia, the Americas, Malaysia, the Philippines and the UK. Genting International has casino properties under UK-based Genting Stanley and is developing Resorts World at Sentosa, the integrated resort in Singapore.

There are a few images on the MAKE website, but i don't think that'll be going ahead more of a design exercise.

More images

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/martynahood/Resort20World20Brochur235EF096.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/martynahood/Resort20World20Brochur235EF09C.jpg

What's the source for those images Hoody as I might want to use them for my blog but want to check copyright before i do.

The NEC Group's official Memo. It was issued today to all NEC staff. Since i'm practically married to her she sends me stuff like this.

Thanks a lot for the info, hoody! :)

Cool, well seeing as Birmingham Post reported it I'll copyright it to NEC but use it. Can't not have pictures on my blog to highlight the news.

Cheers for the Official Memo.

The Memo is on the NEC website at:
http://www.necgroup.co.uk/media/PressRelease.asp?i=1529

No problemo. All in a days work. :)

Thanks a lot for the info, hoody! :)

So much for reading the Birmingham Post article then :|

:banana:

BUMP!

http://www.planningresource.co.uk/bulletins/Planning-Resource-Daily-Bulletin/News/1021983/Solihull-mulls-two-casino-applications/?DCMP=EMC-DailyBulletin

Solihull mulls two casino applications Colin Marrs, PlanningResource, 12 August 2010
Plans for a large casino at Birmingham's National Exhibition have been challenged by a rival bid for a similar operation in Shirley.

Solihull Council has revealed that it has now received two applications for the granting of a large casino licence in within its boundaries.

Under the 2005 Gambling Act, the council is only allowed to grant permission for one of the casinos. The council said: "The licence will then be awarded to the applicant who would, in the Council’s opinion, bring the greatest economic, financial and social benefits to the area."

The NEC’s plans, drawn up with operator Genting Casinos UK, were unveiled in 2008.
Birmingham City Council, which is a major shareholder in the NEC, voiced its support for the project. But it has now emerged that Grosvenor Casions has bid to build a large casino on the site of a former restaurant site at Otium Leisure Park, Shirley.

The NEC last week revealed that it had suffered a loss of £24 million in the year to March 2010.

If neither application is judged to be of any benefit, it could refuse both of them.

^^ Surely the NEC bid would sin over the shirley one, it makes more sense to build it at the NEC because of the surrounding area and pulling in people already. We need a mega casino it would be great

Would that be the old Dave & Busters place in Shirley?

BUMP!

There is a lot of chatter about this again and we could be seeing some news soon on the NEC scheme.

I hope we get a mega casino on the site!

http://www.benoy.com/html/projects.cfm?projectID=238&level2link=Mixed-use&projectName=NEC%20Casino,%20Birmingham,%20UK

Big.

Please say this goes ahead:D

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/birmmail/aug2010/5/9/an-artist-s-impression-of-the-90-million-casino-planned-at-the-nec-site-image-1-37298123.jpg

so to put that into perspective for the people unsure of the size

Selfridges in the Bullring is 260,000sq ft

The casino according to the website bio posted will be a huge 807,300 sq ft! with 538,200 sq ft of retail!

It's the right size, the right purpose, the right design and the right position. This isn't green belt land Solihull!!

Genting Stanley are the developers and the NEC Group will be taking the conference space created within it.

Quality that is! Good news after we lost are Blues Casino to Manchester.. :/

What's actually happening to the Manchester site is it under construction:??

Also if this is likely to go ahead soon it would explain the investment within the casinos in the city centre, gala casino are having a refurb broadway put in for 24/7 opening grovsener casino is refurbing and Rebranding to g casino with a new g casino planned for oldbury and wallsall. Will be great if this can go ahead.

What kind of retail would we see food and cinema bowling kind of thing? Be interesting to develop a leisure complex with gyms and snow activities and extreme sports centre

I am sure the Mcr forumers reading this will be able to update but IIRC they won the supercasino and then Gordon Brown (remember him?) pulled it, promising help to do something else instead.

I am not sure whether the government ever did help but hasn't the rich sheik who owns MCFC promised to do something?

Ive heard the NEC casino bid is moving along this comes after G casino recieved planning for their site in oldbury, aswell as the new one in walsall and the refurb of its exsisting sites including the one on broad st, aswell as the shirley parkgate scheme being refused, They have apparently decided to drop the shirley casino proposal paving the way for the NEC bid. However it is unlikely of any movement untill atleast the summer

ive been hearing similar good rumblings too

I came across this link on google search,,, its dated 2nd March 2011 on google but no date on the article, has this been seen before or is it new? It seems a bit dated with saying about a competition being held later this year and to be complete in 2012!?

Resorts World @ The NECOne of the largest leisure and entertainment complexes in the UK is planned for The NEC, Birmingham as part of a minimum £90million development creating in the region of 1,000 jobs.

Resorts World @ The NEC will be the name of the complex brought together from the new dedicated partnership between The NEC Group and Genting Stanley (Solihull) Ltd, both of whom are committed to bringing a world class hotel, restaurant and gaming offer to the region.

The new complex, set to open on The NEC site in 2012 is intended to deliver an exciting range of facilities including a world class four star hotel, a spa, bars, restaurants, conference facilities and a casino.

The development is dependent on winning a license from Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council in a competition set to take place early next year. The casino will take up less than 10 per cent of the floor area of the resort.

Resorts World @ The NEC will play a significant role in the future of The NEC Group and of the region by supporting the delivery of Destination NEC.

It is the first phase of a master plan for The NEC site designed to deliver a range of leisure and business facilities to complement the exhibition spaces and arena.

The complex is expected to directly create in the region of 1,000 jobs and allow The NEC to compete in a highly competitive global market, as well as grow the £2 Billion economic impact and almost 29,000 jobs that the Group contributes each year to the regional economy.

Genting Stanley is the UK’s largest casino operator with more than 40 locations, and was chosen as The NEC Group’s preferred partner following a rigorous tender process lasting 12 months.

The company is owned by Genting International, a publicly traded subsidiary of Genting Berhad that operates resorts and casinos around the world.

In particular, Genting Berhad, via its 48.26 per cent owned Resorts World Berhad, owns and operates the Genting Highlands Resort in Malaysia which offers a wide array of leisure and entertainment facilities supported by some 10,000 hotel rooms.

Genting International is also developing the £2.2 billion ‘Resorts World at Sentosa’ an integrated resort in Sentosa, Singapore which will be home to a world-class range of attractions including a Universal Studios theme park.

Paul Thandi, Chief Executive of The NEC Group said: "Together with Genting Stanley we intend to make this groundbreaking £90million leisure complex one of the biggest and best in the UK.

"The state-of-the-art resort will support our vision for Destination NEC offering a work, rest and play environment for all of our customers and allowing us to compete with venues across the world offering a genuine destination experience.

"With our island site, excellent transport and infrastructure and experience of managing millions of visitors and Genting’s Stanley’s resort and gaming experience we believe to have the right partnership for success. We have a common vision with our leading global partner Genting Stanley."

Peter Brooks Executive Deputy Chairman for Genting Stanley said: "Genting Stanley looks forward to bringing this further major investment in the UK and its wealth of experience and success to this venture. We are privileged to be part of The NEC’s plans to deliver a range of leisure and entertainment facilities to complement its exhibition spaces and arena.

"The new name for the complex will we believe, express to the public the outstanding range of facilities that will be available at this unique destination."

http://www.necgroup.co.uk/news/resortsworld.htm

£120m dream for NEC unveiled
Express & Star
Tuesday 12th April 2011

http://www.expressandstar.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/WD3965755@CASINO-1-EMAIL-P.jpg

A new £120 million development including a casino, hotel and cinema at Birmingham’s NEC is set to create 1,100 new jobs.

Genting Casinos UK has revealed its ambitious plans for a new leisure and entertainment complex in Solihull, set to span 538,195sqft and seven floors,

Named Resorts World at The NEC the proposals also include a spa, conference and banqueting centre, shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as a 300-space car park.

An application for planning permission is being prepared for submission to Solihull Council in the early summer if the application for a large casino licence is granted in May.

Under the plans the scheme will be located between the LG Arena and the Crowne Plaza Hotel overlooking Pendigo Lake. An initial opening date of late 2013, or early 2014 has been pencilled in.

Tim Rudman, spokesman for the project, said: “We have launched the proposals as part of our pre-planning application for an exciting £120m leisure and entertainment complex.

“Resorts World will be a major driver in the NEC strategy which is to bring new hospitality, accommodation, food, beverage and retail to the NEC site.”

Meanwhile high street fashion brands Next, Superdry, Accessorize and JD Sports will open outlets at Birmingham Airport as part of a £13 million terminal redevelopment. The stores will create around 50 new jobs, and together with the opening of a brand new 19,000 sq ft walk-through duty free area this month, will change the face of the airport completely.

All four stores will be in the airport’s departure lounge, available to all outbound passengers and will open between now and the end of July.

Read more: http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2011/04/12/120m-dream-for-nec-unveiled/#ixzz1JJEwq4rD

Here is the web site for NEC Resort World.

I notice the Pressroom page only has 3 entries, all from 2008, so hardly up-to-date news

http://www.resortsworldnec.co.uk/

BBC seem to have a different pic to everyone else, looks like a small stadium structure, I think it is the outside of the internal pic that moosejuice has posted with the atrium roof.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-13043841

im pretty sure the 'stadium like thing' is the LG arena?!?!?

i was having a think.... ever since the release of the of the gambling green/white papper a few years abck when the super casinos concept was first launched, has any single large casino ever been built?

^^ Ahh right it might be then I just assumed it was part of these plans as it was a " basic outline shape with no detail like an outline plan thing.

And as far as i know 40 were originally planned this was then scaled back to 8 and then to just 1. Blackpool was favourite to be the destination but the government chose Manchester. As far as im aware nothing has happened

Heres the thread for the manchester supercasino site:
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=436685&page=133

Nothing construction wise has happened there yet, there is work to prepare the site for regneration but thats it. There was also rumours Man citys sheikh owner was going to pump millions into the site, but as of yet nothing is under construction

well there is a reason why irt hasnt happened and that because the concept of a SUPERcasino was scrapped shortly after manchester was announced.

however, my understanding was the shortlist of 8 were permited to build LARGEcasinos which are still far in excess of what is currently permissible in current casinos...

however, as i said originally.... in not aware of any of these 8 casinos actually having progressed... is birmingham the only one?

£120m dream for NEC unveiled
Express & Star
Tuesday 12th April 2011

http://www.expressandstar.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/WD3965755@CASINO-1-EMAIL-P.jpg

A new £120 million development including a casino, hotel and cinema at Birmingham’s NEC is set to create 1,100 new jobs.

Genting Casinos UK has revealed its ambitious plans for a new leisure and entertainment complex in Solihull, set to span 538,195sqft and seven floors,

Named Resorts World at The NEC the proposals also include a spa, conference and banqueting centre, shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as a 300-space car park.

An application for planning permission is being prepared for submission to Solihull Council in the early summer if the application for a large casino licence is granted in May.

Under the plans the scheme will be located between the LG Arena and the Crowne Plaza Hotel overlooking Pendigo Lake. An initial opening date of late 2013, or early 2014 has been pencilled in.

Tim Rudman, spokesman for the project, said: “We have launched the proposals as part of our pre-planning application for an exciting £120m leisure and entertainment complex.

“Resorts World will be a major driver in the NEC strategy which is to bring new hospitality, accommodation, food, beverage and retail to the NEC site.”

Meanwhile high street fashion brands Next, Superdry, Accessorize and JD Sports will open outlets at Birmingham Airport as part of a £13 million terminal redevelopment. The stores will create around 50 new jobs, and together with the opening of a brand new 19,000 sq ft walk-through duty free area this month, will change the face of the airport completely.

All four stores will be in the airport’s departure lounge, available to all outbound passengers and will open between now and the end of July.

Read more: http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2011/04/12/120m-dream-for-nec-unveiled/#ixzz1JJEwq4rD

I like the design there, the NEC has lost out recently, and is now a bit of a dump, but could do with a lift with something like this.

Some images on Business Desk, hopefully someone with the requisite knowhow can post them on here:
http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/westmidlands/news/154144-picture-gallery-resorts-world-at-the-nec.html

Thanks for the link to the pics Spread:), Worth a look as it has the floor plans, the casino is smaller than I was thinking so hopefully it will sail through the liscencing no problem.

Some images on Business Desk, hopefully someone with the requisite knowhow can post them on here:
http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/westmidlands/news/154144-picture-gallery-resorts-world-at-the-nec.html

Here are the pictures from your link:

http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/assets/_files/cached/img/600x450/apr_11/businessdesk__1302533455_Interior_-_cropped.jpg?access=3914T3864T840
Image 1 of 8

http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/assets/_files/cached/img/600x375/apr_11/businessdesk__1302601541_Photomontage_lake_frontage_-_c.jpg?access=3914T3370T840
External montage next to the lake.
Image 2 of 8

http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/assets/_files/cached/img/600x388/apr_11/businessdesk__1302601502_Massing_visual_1_-_cropped.jpg?access=3914T3457T840
Aerial view of how it will sit alongside the Crowne Plaza, LG Arena and other facilities.
Image 3 of 8

http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/assets/_files/cached/img/600x591/apr_11/businessdesk__1302601484_Layer_Cake_-_cropped.jpg?access=3914T3932T840
Cross section view of the seven-storey building.
Image 4 of 8

http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/assets/_files/cached/img/600x450/apr_11/businessdesk__1302603780_NEC_casino_-_cropped.jpg?access=3914T3864T840
A model showing the site from above with the lake in the foreground.
Image 5 of 8

http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/assets/_files/cached/img/600x388/apr_11/businessdesk__1302601531_Massing_Visual_5_-_cropped.jpg?access=3914T3457T840
And three more graphics depicting how the casino will fit in with its neighbours.
Image 6 of 8

http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/assets/_files/cached/img/600x388/apr_11/businessdesk__1302601512_Massing_visual_2_-_cropped.jpg?access=3914T3457T840
Image 7 of 8

http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/assets/_files/cached/img/600x367/apr_11/businessdesk__1302601521_Massing_Visual_4_-_cropped.jpg?access=3914T3318T840
Image 8 of 8

Im quite annoyed, that image above with the scale model, that room is the room i normally work in and i DID NOT see this..... dam it!
Looking good. If this gets going i will certainly be able to give feedback on any site movement and construction progress.

Latest Article on the NEC Casino bid, gives a bit more detail and to be honest I can't see why this shouldn't go ahead, I think the jobs factor and the last section of this article pretty much sums it up for approval:


Casino plan at the Birmingham NEC finally taking shape
By Enda Mullen
Apr 15 2011
0ShareAdd a commentRecommend

Business reporter Enda Mullen takes an in-depth look at the NEC’s plans for a casino and leisure complex as a drawn-out process looks set to conclude.

Barring an unlikely spanner being thrown in the works, the NEC group hopes it will be poised to set the wheels in motion for its long-awaited large casino come the end of May.

And if the timetable goes according to plan the slots could be spinning as early as 2013 at the £120 million Resort Worlds complex.

It might seem like a long journey since the Gambling Act of 2005 paved the way for a number of casinos, large and small, across the UK but now it’s Moses within sight of the promised land time.

The scheme, a partnership between the NEC Group and Genting Casinos, will go ahead if Solihull Council grants a large casino licence and gives the proposed development planning permission.

It is hoped the licence application will be dealt with swiftly in the wake of May’s local elections paving the way for a planning application for the 55,000 square metre complex, which would include far more than just a casino.

The complex would also include a 180-bedroom hotel and spa, a banqueting and conference centre, a multi screen cinema, retail units, bars and restaurants and it is estimated it will attract around 650,000 visitors each year.

The partners admit it has been a slow and long journey to get to this point but there is also a sense of relief that at the final hurdle it is a one-horse race.

With the Government awarding a large casino licence to Solihull there was initially interest from other operators but the fact the NEC bid had both a plum site and an industry backer looks set to prove a dream ticket.

Genting Casinos, part of the Genting Group which is one of Malaysia’s largest multinational corporations and operates 40 casinos in the UK, including one at Birmingham’s Star City, has already been working with the NEC for three years on the project.

Britain’s large casinos will be decidedly small compared to those of gambling mecca Las Vegas – or even comparet to countries like Belgium or The Netherlands, where 800 slot machines are not uncommon and one can find up to 3,000, according to Peter Brooks, the executive deputy chairman of Genting Casinos UK.

“The phrase lagging behind hardly does it justice,” he said, comparing how a major slot machine manufacturer might be supplying 4,000 machines to one new casino in Las Vegas, but are looking at a maximum of 2,900 machines for the entire UK market when it comes to the new casinos.

“It is as good as it can get within the constraints of UK legislation,” added Mr Brooks.


The large casinos will be allowed to have 150 slot machines and 30 tables, while small casinos will be able to have 80 machines and up to 40 tables.

Consequently the casino will cover just 10 per cent of the total floor area of Resorts World, which will also have everything from a sky bar to scores of designer retail outlets.

For NEC Group chief executive Paul Thandi the scheme is about creating jobs and boosting the NEC site’s entertainment offering, both as a destination in its own right and offering the kind of infrastructure that will attract more exhibition and conference business.

“This is one of the most exciting developments in the NEC’s history,” he said. “It has taken us a while to get here but I am pleased we have got to this point.

‘‘We need to make much more of our business and make it fit for the 21st century. We wanted more than just a casino and what we have is an entertainment complex that complements what is going on at the LG Arena and the NEC.”

Mr Thandi added that the range of what’s on offer at Resorts World will enable delegates at events and conferences to remain on site rather than travelling further afield.

As far as employment goes more than 1,100 jobs will be created at Resorts World, with another 1,700 during its construction, on a site on the edge of Pendigo Lake between the LG Arena and the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Mr Brooks said: ‘‘We hope to be able to submit a planning application in May. If we can get it opened by the end of 2013 we will be doing well.”

For Mr Thandi Resorts World is a key component in the evolution of the NEC Group and vital to long-term survival.

“It means we will be able to grow our business and bring more events here that are held elsewhere in Europe or throughout the world,” he said.

“Without it our ability to attract business will be limited and we will not be able to compete.’’


Read More http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/other-uk-business/2011/04/15/casino-plan-at-the-birmingham-nec-finally-taking-shape-65233-28528428/#ixzz1JcHotnwZ

Aren't there also some plans for the oldest part central piazza to be redeveloped too?

Note the casino group is Aston Villa's new sponsor.

http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/other-uk-business/2011/06/28/genting-granted-licence-for-large-casino-at-the-nec-65233-28955202/

MORE than 1,100 jobs are set to be created after plans for a large casino at the Birmingham NEC were given the green light.

Solihull Council's licensing committee granted a large casino licence to Genting Casinos, the culmination of a long process which began with the Gambling Act 2005 - paving the way for a number casinos large and small across the UK.

The £120 million Resorts World leisure and entertainment complex is being developed in partnership with the NEC Group and the scheme will still be subject to planning consent.

The 55,000 square metre facility will include a casino, hotel, spa, banqueting and conference centre, multi-screen cinema, retail units, bars and restaurants.

It is hoped the new complex, situated between the LG Arena and the Crowne Plaza Hotel, could be up and running by 2013.

Paul Thandi, NEC Group chief executive, said: “This is one of the most exciting developments in the NEC’s history.”



Read More http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/other-uk-business/2011/06/28/genting-granted-licence-for-large-casino-at-the-nec-65233-28955202/#ixzz1QZ5DQoV6

now we just have to wait for the planning application....

^^ which is apparently being prepared to be submitted to Solihull council very soon! They've said if granted permission work will start on site with an early 2014 opening:)

THUD;)

Deserving of its own thread?

Planning Application Status and Decision
Application 2011/1159
Location NATIONAL EXHIBITION CENTRE SITE
NORTH AND EAST OF PENDIGO WAY
SOLIHULL
B40 1NT
Ward Bickenhill
Application 25/07/11 MAJOR OUTLINE APPLICATION
Proposal OUTLINE PLANNING APPLICATION (ACCESS, LANDSCAPING, LAYOUT AND SCALE FOR CONSIDERATION) FOR THE ERECTION OF A MIXED-USE LEISURE/ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX CASINO (SUI GENERIS), FACTORY OUTLET CENTRE (CLASS A1), HOTEL (CLASS C1), SPA (CLASS D2), CINEMA (CLASS D2), CONFERENCE AND BANQUETING CENTRE (CLASS D1), FOOD AND DRINK USES (CLASS A3/A4/A5), CAR PARKING AND SERVICING, PLANT AND ASSOCIATED PUBLIC REALM AND LANDSCAPE WORKS.


http://www.solihull.gov.uk/planning/dc/ViewAppDetail.asp?Y=2011&R=1159

These 4 links cover pretty much everything, im not sure how you post planning apps as pics here so ill leave it to someone else to start a seperate thread for just this if thats the best option?

I cant wait for this to start:D

http://www.solihull.gov.uk/PlanAppDocs/2011/1159/1159_design_and_access_statement_part_1.pdf

http://www.solihull.gov.uk/PlanAppDocs/2011/1159/1159_design_and_access_statement_part_2.pdf

http://www.solihull.gov.uk/PlanAppDocs/2011/1159/1159_design_and_access_statement_part_3.pdf

http://www.solihull.gov.uk/PlanAppDocs/2011/1159/1159_design_and_access_statement_part_4.pdf

I can't work out whether I like it or not because every view is completely different. It looks like a huge multiplex cinema...

its pretty dull but lets be honest of what this is and will always be..... an out of town mall lol

NEC needs to do a Vegas!! And it's only taken Solihull MBC 35 years to acknowledge this money-making idea! Visitors to the NEC need more hotel rooms on site and entertainment on the doorstep.

from the pictures of the interior that have been posted I think the detail and excitement will be inside of the building

looks like the bullring in a weird way, maybe that is because its the same architect firm

from the pictures of the interior that have been posted I think the detail and excitement will be inside of the building

Having all the action happening inside a building is fine until they want to start turning this area into more of a complex of various buildings and activities. The buildings then need better interaction with their surroundings - and that's kind of where the Bullring fails (might be where djay sees the connection) as it is very inward looking.

It'll be interesting to see how this performs over time.

http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2011/09/08/galliford-wins-80m-birmingham-casino-contract/

Galliford Try has struck it lucky with an £80m contract win to build a new casino for gaming giant Genting UK at the NEC in Birmingham.

Work on the new Resorts World complex at the National Exhibition Centre will start during the first quarter of next year with completion planned for March 2014.

The Resorts World development will include a casino, a four star hotel and suites, a spa, conference and banqueting facilities, a retail outlet centre, a multi- screen cinema, food and beverage outlets and car parking.

Galliford Try Chief Executive Greg Fitzgerald said: “We are delighted to be selected as preferred bidder by Genting UK for what will be one of the most significant leisure and entertainment developments to be built in the UK in recent years.

“We have a proven ability to deliver multiple mixed-use developments on a large scale, and this project will provide a tremendous addition to our growing portfolio in the commercial sector.”

http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/westmidlands/news/217080-cricket-club-developer-lands-casino-contract.html?news_section=19011


THE developer behind the new stand at Warwickshire County Cricket Club has been selected as preferred bidder on a £120m casino and leisure complex.

Uxbridge-based Galliford Try will work with Genting UK, new shirt sponsor of Aston Villa, on its 592,000 sq ft 'Resorts World at The NEC' project in Solihull.

The scheme already has a 'large' casino licence and is currently going through the planning application process.

The Resorts World complex will include a casino, four-star hotel, spa, conference and banqueting facilities, retail outlets and cinema.

The contract would be valued at £80m, Galliford Try said today, and construction work is expected to start early next year with completion due in spring 2014.

Chief executive Greg Fitzgerald said: "We are delighted to be selected as preferred bidder by Genting UK for what will be one of the most significant leisure and entertainment developments to be built in the UK in recent years.
"We have a proven ability to deliver multiple mixed-use developments on a large scale, and this project will provide a tremendous addition to our growing portfolio in the commercial sector."

f*ck you spread... beat me to it...

Galliford preferred developer for NEC casino
Samantha McClary 08/09/2011 08:00


Galliford Try, the housebuilding and construction group, has been selected as preferred bidder by Genting UK for Resorts World at The NEC, an £80m leisure and entertainment development located at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.

The Resorts World at The NEC complex will include a casino, a four star hotel and suites, a spa, conference and banqueting facilities, a retail outlet centre, a multi- screen cinema, food and beverage outlets and car parking.

Work on site is expected to start early next year, with completion scheduled for 2014.

It's been a while since anyone has talked about the new NEC casino I only hope that means no news is good news

:gaah:

It's gone in for planning, decision is due 24th of this month I believe

Does anyone know the decision of Solihull planning committee about the casino at the NEC

Well its a new year so when can we expect to see the new casino being built, planning has been and gone and I assume it was given the go ahead and the contractors tendered for so it can't be much longer.

^^ Decision was due October, but looking at the app on solihull planning it doesnt say anything... Galliford try have been announce contractor anyway and have said a start first quarter of the year. Does anyone go up here to notice if anythings started anyway? lol

Pass regularly on way to work haven't noticed anything yet but will keep you informed

woody could this thread just be renamed West Midland Casinos:)?

Broadway Casino undergoes refurb

Last updated: 24th Jan 2012 at 08:13am | |
Broadway Casino in Birmingham has started work on a refurbishment project which may create new jobs.

Located on the original Birmingham Children's Hospital site at Broadway Plaza the refurbishment is set to add to the casino's existing facilities, creating a private room available for conferencing, corporate entertainment and private party hire.

The new event space will have access to the main casino, as well as its own private entrance and reception area.

Managing director Denis Dowling said: "We have been busy planning these changes to the Broadway for some time and are delighted that the work has now started on this significant refurbishment.

"Since opening in 2005 we have been most fortunate to establish a loyal and regular customer base and with event bookings increasing year on year the new facilities will enable us to meet the demand with this designated event area."

The refurbishment is set to be finished in April and will provide "employment opportunities", Broadway added.

http://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/64937-broadway-casino-undergoes-refurb/index.html

update on NEC casino bid


Casino plans could be decided tonight

By Chris Willmott 01/02 Updated: 01/02 17:06

THE LONG-AWAITED decision on plans for a casino and associated leisure complex at the NEC were due to be decided by borough planning chiefs last night - as long as a few 'technical and logistical issues' were resolved ahead of the meeting.

Genting Stanley's bid to create the £120m Resorts World at The NEC - a complex containing a ten-screen cinema, restaurants, a new hotel, spa and the casino at the centre of the resort - has been recommended for approval by planning officers.


BREAKING NEWS
Casino plans decision deferred

01/02 Updated: 01/02 17:09

A DECISION on the plans for a Resort World at the NEC - incorporating a large casino - have been deferred until later this month.

Solihull Council's planning committee had been due to vote on the application at its meeting tonight (see story below) but a few minor technical issues mean the application will now not be discussed at tonight's meeting.

The application is now expected to be considered at the next planning meeting on February 22.

http://www.solihullobserver.co.uk/2012/02/01/news-Casino-plans-decision-deferred-28890.html

Bump!!

any particular reason?

Due to be given the go ahead.

Due to be given the go ahead.

Is it .. which bit?

Hmmm Brum relying on the tin-pot borough again to influence further interest in the NEC as a visitor destination!! I really wish BCC took control of this important pocket of land that of course includes BHX because I've never trusted Solihull as a go-ahead council.

There are bulldozer thingies on this site at the moment doing some sort of groundwork.

Green light for major casino scheme at Birmingham's NEC
15 March 2012 | By David Doyle.

A 500,000 sq ft leisure scheme at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham has been given the green light.

Finally

Cheers Eco

I'll make a separate thread for it later with all the details to keep this one free for other news

Full article from Property Week:
Green light for major casino scheme at Birmingham's NEC

A 500,000 sq ft leisure scheme at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham has been given the green light.

NEC Group, owners of the major exhibition centre, and Genting Casinos, were last night granted planning permission from Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council for the “Resorts World at the NEC” development.

Plans for the project include a casino, a factory outlet centre, a cinema and a hotel.

There would also be an additional 160,000 sq ft car park over three floors providing 473 spaces.

A statement from Genting Casinos said: “Genting Casinos now looks forward to the next stage of the planning application processfor Resorts World at the NEC and then to begin the process, with the support of the NEC Group, to deliver this exciting leisure and entertainment complex.”

The scheme will comprise:

A 67,360 sq ft casino including a VIP area.
The factory outlet centre which would cover 40 units, ranging in size from 1,500 sq ft to 16,000 sq ft and totaling 154,600 sq ft.
A four-star, 196 bedroom hotel over 120,150 sq ft.
A ten-screen cinema
12 food and beverage units.
The site for the development sits within the 610-acre NEC complex, located between the Crowne Plaza Hotel and the LG Arena.

The current NEC complex currently covers 2.15m sq ft.

brilliant news at last!

Full article from Property Week:
Green light for major casino scheme at Birmingham's NEC

A 500,000 sq ft leisure scheme at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham has been given the green light.

NEC Group, owners of the major exhibition centre, and Genting Casinos, were last night granted planning permission from Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council for the “Resorts World at the NEC” development.

Plans for the project include a casino, a factory outlet centre, a cinema and a hotel.

There would also be an additional 160,000 sq ft car park over three floors providing 473 spaces.

A statement from Genting Casinos said: “Genting Casinos now looks forward to the next stage of the planning application processfor Resorts World at the NEC and then to begin the process, with the support of the NEC Group, to deliver this exciting leisure and entertainment complex.”

The scheme will comprise:

A 67,360 sq ft casino including a VIP area.
The factory outlet centre which would cover 40 units, ranging in size from 1,500 sq ft to 16,000 sq ft and totaling 154,600 sq ft.
A four-star, 196 bedroom hotel over 120,150 sq ft.
A ten-screen cinema
12 food and beverage units.
The site for the development sits within the 610-acre NEC complex, located between the Crowne Plaza Hotel and the LG Arena.

The current NEC complex currently covers 2.15m sq ft.

I like the sound of the factory outlet, imagine if it was McArthurGlen Design outlet!

NEW THREAD FOR RESORTS WORLD...

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1497457


Woody could this thread be renamed something like " West Midland Casino Thread"