Casino move for Yorkshire city
MOVES are underway to launch the development of a major casino in a Yorkshire city.
Council chiefs in Leeds will be kick-starting the process to grant a large casino licence in Leeds next week.
The council was granted the authority to award a large casino licence after a successful bid to the Government in 2006, and says it is now in the position to start the licensing process with a view to granting a licence in the Leeds in under two years.
A report submitted to Leeds City Council’s executive board next week will outline the processes and update members on the need to move forward on the matter.
A large casino has the potential to bring a substantial number of benefits to Leeds, including economic, financial and social benefits, and to assist in the economic regeneration of the city.
The council will follow through the legally complex licensing process, with the view to being in a position to award the licence towards the end of 2011.
Councillor Andrew Carter, leader of Leeds City Council said: “Leeds is the only core city to have been awarded this licence, and it will become a great asset to the city once in place.
“These casino licences were meant to deliver the greatest benefit to an area in terms of jobs and economic regeneration, and we remain confident that a large casino can still play a big part in the city’s regeneration plans.
“However, as a responsible authority we will always aim to protect those who could be affected in a negative way by gambling.”
The seven other local authorities who also won large casino licences were Newham, Great Yarmouth, Hull, Middlesbrough, Milton Keynes, Solihull and Southampton.
