Insider Media Limited

Casino operator Genting UK has been granted a licence for a large casino at the NEC which is set to bring in £120m of investment. Birmingham-based Genting UK said the move could create up to 1,700 construction jobs as it planned to build a complex including a hotel, spa cinema and casino. Jane Jackson, director of Solihull Chamber of Commerce, told Insider the move was "absolutely brilliant" considering the current economic climate.

The casino is set to form part of a commercial development which is expected to be built on the site.

Genting UK said the casino will be "just one part of a large destination complex", consisting of a four or five star hotel, a spa, multi-screen cinema, conference and banqueting centre, designer shopping outlets, food and beverage units and car parking for 300 vehicles.

Alongside the estimated £120m of investment the casino would bring to the area, it is anticipated that the development would provide more than 1,000 direct and indirect jobs and more than 1,700 construction jobs.

The proposal still needs to gain a premises licence and planning permission.

Jackson said: "Subject to planning permission, it's absolutely brilliant news for employment and new jobs in the area in this current economic climate, as job opportunities are so scarce.

"We're looking forward to forming a close working relationship with the company which will benefit the local economy going forward."

Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, chairman of the licensing committee of Solihull Council, said: "Members of the licensing committee considered this application very carefully and were fully satisfied that in granting this licence, many benefits and opportunities will be made available to the borough of Solihull and its residents."

Genting UK was the only applicant at stage two of the licensing process, which closed on 31 January.

The news comes just days after Genting announced it had entered a sponsorship agreement with Aston Villa Football Club.

The partnership will be for an initial two-year period, beginning from Friday (1 July) and covering the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons.

Genting Casinos' logo will feature on the home and away Villa shirts and the company will enjoy a host of sponsorship benefits.