Genting’s NEC super casino plans approved

Birmingham-based Genting plans to build a 50,000sq ft casino, a 18-bed hotel and spa, a conference and banqueting centre, designer outlet shops, restaurants and 300 car parking spaces. Resorts World at the NEC is expected to open by the end of 2013, creating 1,100 new jobs and more than 1,750 construction jobs.

Peter Brooks, executive deputy chairman of Genting UK, said: “The approved project will bring substantial benefits to Solihull and the wider region in terms of job creation and regeneration and will play a key role in the future prosperity and success of The NEC.”

Genting UK said Resorts World will add around us$ 39.9 million per year to the local economy and pledged to recruit locally. The planning committee stopped short of approving planning permission for the development at a meeting on March 14 and stipulated that a number of conditions - particularly that of accessible public transport for employees to and from the NEC - should be met before it was given the final rubber stamp.

NEC bosses have now agreed to make a contribution towards an improved public transport route to and from the centre.

Paul Thandi, chief executive of The NEC Group, added: “Resorts World at The NEC is the next important stage in our journey to delivering ‘Destination NEC.’ “It will broaden and deepen the appeal of a site that already attracts around three million visitors a year.”

Councillors said an improved transport system in the area was ‘crucial’ and would be an issue the working group would pursue.