Operator News
UK – Aspers confirms interest in Southampton’s ‘large’ licence
By Phil - 12 February 2014
Aspers has now confirmed its interest in the £330m project to build a ‘large’ casino licence on Southampton’s Royal Pier.
The operator, which owns the only two ‘large’ casino licences currently open in the UK, is preparing its blueprint for the development.
Southampton Council will officially launch the tender once planning permission has been granted.
Just as the Aspers venues in Milton Keynes and Stratford, the licence would allow up to 150 slot machines with jackpots of up to £4,000, and up to 30 tables for blackjack and poker, compared to the limit of 20 machines for regular casinos.
Aspers’ Chief Operating Officer, Richard Noble, said: “Although it is still in early stages, I can
confirm that Aspers has a strong interest in the plans for the Royal Pier development in Southampton. We have been monitoring this redevelopment opportunity for several years and believe that the modern leisure facilities and the socially responsible gaming commitment we deliver to local communities would be a great fit for the Southampton area. We are very proud to have delivered the only two operational large licence casinos in the UK and feel that our track record of delivering exceptional venues, creating local jobs and supporting community initiatives shows exactly what we could deliver for Southampton.”
The Southampton casino is more likely to have a similar footprint to the 36,500 sq. ft. Milton Keynes casino than the 65,000 sq. ft. Stratford site.
Southampton council leader Simon Letts said: “I’m pleased that a major company like Aspers is willing to spend money in Southampton. When the competition opens we will welcome bids from as many organisations as wish to bid. In the current economic climate, any additional funds that may be used to protect council services are to be welcomed.”
The council leader added that concluding which casino company would operate the large licence could still take three to five years.
Stewart Dunn, Chief Executive of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce added: “The chamber has always supported the application for a casino as part of a strategic and much needed development to open up the waterfront and provide permanent facilities for the PSP Southampton Boat Show. This could bring further investment and importantly jobs to the area as well as enhance the waterfront. However, it is important that full consultation with the port authorities and residents is undertaken to understand and meet their concerns. The chamber will offer to work with Southampton City Council to address some of these issues, particularly transport, planning and infrastructure.”
