Manchester reaffirms casino commitment
27 July 2007
Manchester City Council today reiterates that it is continuing to press for a regional casino to be located in the city.
At a top-level meeting between Prime Minister Gordon Brown, City Council leader Sir Richard Leese and Manchester MPs last week, it was confirmed that contrary to some reports the door is not closed to a regional casino.
The Government has indicated that it wishes to carry out a genuine review of the issue which will be led by Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Hazel Blears MP. City Council leader Sir Richard Leese said: "We are looking forward to engaging with the review and making a powerful case.
"We and the Government share the same objective, namely the delivery of thousands of jobs in East Manchester."
The meeting was organised by Manchester Central MP Tony Lloyd who said: "Manchester has achieved success through working in partnership with central government, that remains the best route to the ongoing regeneration of East Manchester."
It has been estimated that a regional casino and associated leisure facilities in Manchester would involve the creation of more than 2,700 jobs and in excess of £250m direct investment. It has also been estimated that the increase in tourism would generate around £100m a year.
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