The Government approved the principle of a small casino for the city of Bath over three years ago and the recently expired deadline for licence applications has caused what can only be described as a turf war between four of the biggest gaming companies in the UK.
Leisure company Apollo have their eye on the old Cattlemarket site in Walcot Street. which they propose to turn into a hotel and casino complex boasting integrated shops, restaurants and bars.
Gala Casinos have proposed that they would wish to develop the same site, and plan to incorporate the Hotel entrance into a new piazza area in Walcott Street.
Great Eastern Quays Casino, is targeting the former NHS clinic and the Gala Bingo Hall at Sawclose, and Grosvenor Casinos, which wants to develop the existing Manvers Street car park.
All three sites are council owned, and the process of deciding which company will get the go ahead is causing quite a stir
The successful licence winner would still have to get planning permission for its scheme. But the idea of a casino – reviving the gaming tradition of Regency Bath and creating up to 200 jobs – has been welcomed by business leaders.
Ian Bell, executive director of the city’s chamber of commerce, said the interest from firms was “really encouraging” and welcomed the fact that the attraction would concentrate on gaming tables rather than fruit machines.
The council has now launched a consultation exercise, with people living near the sites or with business interests likely to be affected by a casino able to take part.
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