by Renee Israel
Jomast Developments, a Stockton-based construction company, has
been awarded one of eight licenses to construct a massive land casino in the
United Kingdom.
A leisure complex worth ₤25 million is
planned for Middlesbrough, which will include a casino, luxury and budget
hotels, restaurants, a multi-storey car park and banqueting facilities.
The Development Director for Jomast,
Adam Hearld said about the Middlesbrough casino license awarded: "We are
delighted to have won the casino competition and this will enable us to
revitalise this important town centre site."
"Our vision is to create a major, new
casino-based, leisure and entertainment destination that will have far reaching
benefits for Middlesbrough," he added.
Gurney House Revitalised
The new development will convert the empty Gurney House building
and adjoining car parks to create one big casino and entertainment complex.
The executive councillor for regeneration for the Middlesbrough
Council, Charlie Rooney said that the council's licensing committee was resolved
to grant a provisional statement which could be used to convert into a large
casino license in due course.
"The potential for a scheme like this for the town on the back
of the casino license is obviously very exciting and bringing Gurney House back
into use after so many years of being empty would be a real achievement," he
said.
Adding his comments was Bernie Taylor, the chairman of the
Middlesbrough Council's casino licensing sub committee, who said: "The council
has always been concerned to balance any potential negative impact of the casino
with the regeneration efforts to the town."
There has been some opposition to the new plans to construct a
casino in Middlesbrough, especially among the religious sectors of town.
Work to Begin on Casino Next Year
Upon receiving the casino license, Jomast Developments said that they would
begin the first stage of the scheme early next year.
It is expected that 300 people will find employment with the new complex.
Jomast is considered one of the North East England region's largest property
developers, specialising in the development of new and refurbished buildings,
complexes and resorts.
The group also owns Wynyard Golf Club, one of the most prestigious
championship golf courses in the area. Jomast plans to build an exclusive
residential and leisure development adjoining the golf course.
