A casino is poised for an expansion, fuelling speculation that Southend could be transformed into a glitzy gaming centre to rival Blackpool.
MGM Mirage, one of the the world's leading operators, has acquired a 25 per cent interest in Metro Casinos, which is behind a new development in Bristol.
Metro is a subsidiary of R J Bown (Holdings), the owners of the Westcliff Casino, in Western Esplanade, sponsors of the Southend Airshow.
Tim Quinlan, a director of the Westcliff Casino, said: "The partnership means there will be substantial investment in the Westcliff Casino within the foreseeable future.
"We believe that with deregulation there is enormous potential for casino operations."
Andrew Herd, chairman of Metro Casinos, said: "MGM Mirage is an extremely prestigious partner for the development of our casino operations in Bristol and, we hope, Southend."
Southend Council leader Howard Briggs said: "We always welcome any proposals which would bring new investment to the town."
Published Wednesday, May 28, 2003
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