NEC has found a partner for its new multi-million pound casino. Help keep the centre attract new visitors.
PLANS to create a £90 million leisure complex and casino in the Midlands have come one step closer to reality after business chiefs selected a partner company.
Genting Stanley Ltd, based in Solihull, has been chosen as the partner of the development next to the National Exhibition Centre.
The proposals, which have been backed by Birmingham City Council, are yet to be given the green light by Solihull Council's planning comittee and the Government.
NEC Group bosses today said they hoped the latest announcement would "prove" the company’s dedication to the project.
The group also revealed details about the development, saying it would boast a spa, hotel, bars, restaurants and a casino, boosting the region’s economy by £2 billion a year and creating up to 29,000 jobs.
Paul Thandi, chief executive of the NEC Group, said: "It has always been our first priority to find the best possible partner for the NEC, for Solihull and for the wider West Midlands. We are confident that not only have we found a partner who shares our vision, we have also found an experienced team capable of bringing that vision to life.
" I look forward to working with the Genting Stanley team to demonstrate to Solihull Council that our proposal represents the strongest, most deliverable, exciting and appropriate opportunity for the local area in order that we can realise our strategy of providing a world class work, rest and play environment at the NEC."
Coun Mike Whitby, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: "This is an important opportunity for Birmingham and the West Midlands in helping to ensure the NEC is able to attract even more visitors into the region and to provide a world class attraction, all of which adds to our reputation."
Genting Stanley is the largest casino operator in the UK, with 40 sites. It is owned by Genting International, which has resorts and casinos around the world and is currently developing a £2.2 billion complex in Singapore which will be home to a range of attractions, including a Universal Studios theme park.
Peter Brooks, executive deputy chairman for Genting Stanley, said: "We are confident of being able to bring a wealth of experience and success to this project and we look forward to the opportunity of being a worthy partner to the NEC Group and demonstrating our strengths to the local government in this exciting endeavour."