High rollers to head for…Croydon

Friday, 20 Dec, 2005 0

A US gaming firm wants to develop and operate a casino in Croydon.

Colorado-based Century Casinos is to develop the project in conjunction with UK partner Westmead Business Group, owner of the Airport House and Aerodrome Hotel on the former Croydon aerodrome – the world’s first international airport when it opened in 1928.

The casino will incorporate 16,000 square feet for a minimum of 30 gaming tables and 150 slot machines. The hotel will be expanded to 150 rooms while other facilities include two restaurants, bars, a health club and an events and conference centre.

The cost and time frame for development have not been disclosed.

The proposal has been put forward following the new UK Gambling Act. A newly established Gambling Commission is due to start considering applications in the second half of 2006.

Century operates casinos on a number of cruise ships as well as owning and operating casino-hotels in Colorado and South Africa.

CEO and president Peter Hoetzinger said: “The casino project at the Airport House and Serodrome Hotel in Croydon promises to become one of the UK’s top new mid-size casino destinations.

“The provision of the new Gambling Act, allowing new casinos to offer table games, slot machines and entertainment on an international level, together with the excellent location and demographics of the proposed site, makes this project a natural location for our proposed first UK casino development.”

Westmead chairman John Power said the regeneration of the Aerodrome Hotel “will have a positive impact on the economy of Croydon and the south London area”.

Report by Phil Davies

Phil Davies

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