Debate the issue that the sea-side resort of Blackpool should become the new Las VegasBy Elizabeth Hayward & Nichola Stewardson

Is Blackpool the new Las Vegas?

Resort casinos are set to be launched in Blackpool in 2005. This will only happen if the government approve the proposal put forward by Blackpool Borough Council.

The idea is to give Blackpool a well-deserved face-lift to encourage tourism and create thousands of jobs by building resort casinos and adding a flavour of Las Vegas to the UK.

The council plan is to create an Egyptian style resort called Pharaohs Palace that will cost 150 million pounds to build, funded by the private sector. This vast building will comprise of a 100,000 square foot gaming floor, which is twice the size of an average Tesco. It will include and a 1000 bedroom hotel and a small shopping mall.

All together this will be 3 times the size of Blackpool's biggest hotel with a total of 30 floors. This will begin to challenge the tower as a dominant structure and will have a huge impact physically on the front of Blackpool and the economy.

At present it is illegal to build any resort casinos in Blackpool, but the council has decided to review the gaming laws in a bid to change current legislation.
Alan Cavill, Head of Economic Development, Blackpool Council said: "The council would like to bring Las Vegas style resort casinos to Blackpool.
"A proposal has been launched locally by a company called Leisure Parks. Their intention is to convert their holdings into a resort, which is where they got the Las Vegas idea."

Holidaymakers enjoy the thrills on Blackpool's Big One ride.

Leisure Park is working with London Clubs International (LCI) who operate a casino in Las Vegas called The Aladdin, which is the newest casino on the strip. There have also been quite a lot of enquiries from casino operators across the world, although they are not committing to the project until the legislation is in place.

The government see no reason why the law shouldn't be changed to allow resort casinos in Blackpool, but there have been a lot of local feelings on whether Blackpool should go down this route.

A survey was commissioned to a sample of 604 residents in February 2001. 70% of people were in favour of the development, but opinions have changed according to the results of a local newspaper, which indicated 50% were in favour and 50% were against. Blackpool Council argue that this venture will bring 3600 new jobs to the area.

The key objection from local residents who are against the proposal is that it will wipe out small businesses. The counterview said it will increase tourism to such an extent that they wouldn't be able to cope with the increase. The council are approaching this problem by creating more hotels and establishments.

The reason for building the resort casinos is to veer away from the stereotypical image of hen's nights and cheap beer and re-create a family resort by including a mixture of attractions and increased quality.

But you maybe asking the question will the traditional Blackpool be trampled by an American influence. The council argue that this is not going to be the case. They intend to refresh the promenade and entrance to town with a huge new image.

Alan Cavill said: "Blackpool council want to bring style and quality to a multi faceted resort that can cater for everybody."