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Kerzner/Ask team wins Sportcity bid
Kerzner International and Ask Developments have jointly won the bidding race to develop a £262m casino, leisure and family entertainment complex at the Sportcity site in east Manchester.
Covering 870,000sq ft, the developers intend the new complex to become one of the major sports-based tourism destinations in the UK.
It is expected to create at least 1,100 full-time and 400 part-time jobs.
According to Manchester City Council, several leading international gaming operators submitted detailed bids for the proposed casino development. After an extensive review of all the plans, the Kerzner/Ask partnership was selected as the preferred developer.
Sportcity is already home to Manchester City FC and a variety of other sports facilities with the new complex adding an indoor swimming pool complex including an artificial beach, a 150-bedroom hotel, a 4,000-seat multi-purpose arena, an ice rink and a 68,000sq ft casino.
The casino has been described as a “highly energised themed space” and would feature 1,250 slot machines, 50 gaming tables, several bars and a restaurant.
The consortium’s development plan is subject to the expected reform of UK gaming law as well as receipt of all necessary approvals.
The leader of Manchester City Council, Richard Leese, said: “This proposal further accelerates the regeneration of east Manchester, with its community use of fantastic facilities and jobs.
“At the same time, the development will make a major contribution to the further development of Manchester as world-class city.”
Butch Kerzner, chief executive officer of Kerzner International, added: “We are very pleased by this appointment. Subject to the passage of gaming deregulation legislation in the UK, we believe that we can build a resort casino that will be a key element of Manchester’s plans to develop exciting new local attractions.”