The U.K. city of Hull has issued a provisional casino license to Apollo Resorts & Leisure Ltd. The move clears the way for a casino to be part of a new £100 million leisure and residential project in the city center.

The casino is one of the first of the so-called “large” casinos authorized under the Gambling Act 2005 to receive the go-ahead from a local authority. Once built, the operator will need final approval to begin gaming operations.

Trade website ConstructionEnquirer reports that the project, known as Manor Mill, will include a 185-room hotel and a 23-story residential tower. Restaurants, a sports bar, student housing, a public plaza, convenience store and parking are all included in the 480,000-square-foot project.

Mike Nuttall, managing director of Apollo Resorts & Leisure, said, “Apollo is pleased to have been awarded the provisional statement, and after many years of work are committed to delivering Manor Mill Resort as a major new leisure and entertainment destination.”

PropertyWeek quoted Philip Akrill of Manor Property as saying, “This is excellent news and we are delighted to be able to move this development forward. It will breathe new life into this derelict site and kick-start the stalled regeneration of the east bank of the River Hull, creating a first-class leisure destination in the city center.”

By GGB Staff

Staff writers for Global Gaming Business magazine. Las Vegas, Nevada.