Casino odds tip in Yarmouth's favour

29 July 2006 10:30

Yarmouth is heading the national field in the race to clinch one of eight large casino licences, it emerged last night.

Details of a shortlist first published by the casino advisory panel in May show the Norfolk resort top with 54 points, ahead of such rivals as Luton, Solihull, Canterbury, Southampton and Leeds.

Even ahead of a second round of assessment by the casino advisory panel, the news seems to place Yarmouth as a short-price favourite to secure one of eight large casino licences being offered.

Seen as a second prize, behind the one licence for a super casino that will be granted, a large casino is still seen by Yarmouth's political and business leaders as a major boost to regeneration.

Managing director of Yarmouth Pleasure Beach Albert Jones, who had originally hoped to build a super casino in partnership with the Hilton Group, said last night: "It's great news that we have finished top of the shortlist.

"A large casino will still be a tremendous draw and an all-year-round attraction."

Mr Jones confirmed he was in discussion with two major casino operators with a view to bidding for the licence for the Pleasure Beach - it was likely that a four-star hotel would be included in the plans.

Mr Jones said: "This would fit in well with my other projects, including the bringing of a big wheel to the Pleasure Beach."

Barry Stone, the borough council's deputy leader, said he was also excited by the economic potential a large casino would bring.

"If a four-star hotel is in the plans, that would be great news as well. With the outer harbour coming, Yarmouth could do with a new high-quality hotel that would be attractive to the business market," he said.

Mr Stone said that - in a double boost - the panel had invited Yarmouth Borough Council to make further submissions that could still see it making the final shortlist for the one super casino licence up for grabs.

Email A Friend