Solihull Council has announced details of the process it intends to follow in deciding who should be given the right to run one of the country’s new large casinos in the borough.
The NEC Group in partnership with gaming operators Genting Stanley made the early running in the race to acquire the licence, having announced details of a planned £90 million leisure complex in June.
A casino with 150 slot machines and a maximum jackpot of £4,000, a hotel and spa, bars and restaurants will be built on the National Exhibition Centre site at Bickenhill, if Solihull Council approves the bid.
The scheme, in conjunction with a £28 million makeover of the NEC Arena, will create more than 1,000 jobs and is crucial to a transformation strategy intended to turn the NEC from primarily a conference centre into a major leisure destination.
A spokeswoman said the aim was to give the NEC the feel of a town or city where “there is always something happening” during the day and the night.
However, rival operators Rank Group confirmed earlier this year that it was also preparing a bid for a casino at a so far undisclosed location in Solihull.
The organisation, which owns Grosvenor Casinos, has been undertaking its own research in the borough, talking to church and faith groups, charitable organsiations and business representatives about the best site for a casino.
Under rules drawn up by the Government, Solihull Council can only approve one casino licence and has the power to decide on the most appropriate location and the best operator.
The council’s licensing committee will draw up the ground rules for the decision-making process over the next few weeks, crucially setting out the criteria it will use when choosing the best site.
The proposals will be the subject of public consultation before being approved.
Bids from prospective casino operators are expected to be invited at the end of December, with a final cut-off point for applications in April 2009.
If there is only one bidder, the licence is likely to be granted by June 2009.
If there are two or more bidders, a final decision is unlikely before October 2009.
Bob Sleigh, deputy leader of Solihull Council, said the licensing committee would set out the principles that would have to be followed in determining which of two or more competing applications would result in the greatest benefit to the borough.
Coun Sleigh, said: “We are pleased that Parliament has now given formal approval so that we can move forward following the council’s decision to accept the invitation to become a licensing authority for a large casino.
“This offers the prospect of an exciting facility that will bring additional employment and economic regeneration opportunities to the borough.”
