The Conservatives have urged local politicians to consider with open minds a company’s plans to build a casino and leisure complex in Belfast. Neil Wilson, the party’s culture, arts and leisure spokesman, described the venture, proposed by Rank Group, as “a possible opportunity to boost tourism and create jobs”.
“These plans propose an £18 million investment, creating 400 new jobs and they cannot be dismissed lightly”, Neil contended. “There’s a very strong argument for changing the law in Northern Ireland, to bring it into line with the rest of the UK, in order to allow Rank’s development and similar developments, where they are appropriate. There are legitimate concerns about problem gambling, but difficulties arise chiefly where people can bet online or in unregulated environments, not in a social and responsible environment, as part of a wider entertainment complex.”
“The sites which are being considered are in the Titanic Quarter and would bring much needed jobs to the adjacent east Belfast area. The Quarter is already a significant draw for tourists and more entertainment options would attract people to Belfast and benefit the local economy. It’s very easy to shoot down new ideas, but we need a calm, rational debate about the pros and cons of a casino. Northern Ireland requires many more private sector jobs and top class leisure facilities for tourists and locals alike. There is a responsibility upon politicians at Assembly and council level to look carefully at a serious and well-argued offer of major investment.”