by Renee Israel
A new £30 million project on the Southport waterfront has attracted Genting
Casino, the giant Malaysian conglomerate, and the group will transfer its
existing establishment in Lord Street to a new, state of the art location on The
Waterfront.
The cost of the transfer and work on the new Genting Southport casino
will be around £2 million, and Genting UK expects to welcome the first players
through its doors early next year.
Genting, which employees 35,000 people from around the world, and is the
largest casino operator in the United Kingdom with over 40 gaming establishments
in its portfolio, bought into the new project before it was even completed.
Steve Parry, the Managing Director of Neptune Developments, which operates
the new Waterfront said: "We are delighted with this news. We have been eagerly
awaiting the news that Genting are ready to move to The Waterfront and we have
already started to receive an increased level of inquiries about the remaining
units."
The Waterfront opened its doors in 2008 with the official opening of the
Ramada Plaza Hotel in October.
Stylish New UK Casino in Southport
According to Parry, the premises which Genting is moving its new casino into
were built according to its specific requirements. "With its stunning proposals
for the fit out, Southport will be home to one of the most stylish new casinos
in the country," he said.
Features will include a terrace where visitors can relax between gaming
sessions and look out over the stunning Marine Lake.
The relocation of Genting's local casino should also result in a boost of
activity in the area and has been welcomed by many.
The general manager of the Ramada Plaza, Edna Rylands said: "This is
fantastic news for the area and it is long overdue. It will attract people to
Southport and bring lots of life to The Waterfront."
The Director of Built Environment for the council, Alan Lunt said that the
new Genting Southport Casino is an important part of the resort's tourism plan
and the modern, new premises will be an improved attraction for visitors to the
town.
The owner of Fino's restaurant, Bob Warrior added his comments, and said that
it is hoped that the opening of Genting Casino on The Waterfront will be the
springboard for other tenants to move in.
"This is such a beautiful location and everyone who comes to the restaurant
says that," he said. "It will be good to see more people moving in."
