A CASINO operator is opening the first of a planned series of Las Vegas-style casinos in the UK at The Gate, in Newcastle.

Aspinall's started work this week on Aspers, its 45,000sq ft casino at the award-winning leisure venue owned by Land Securities. It is expected to open in time for the pre-Christmas season this year.

"We considered Newcastle and The Gate as the best potential market in the UK," said Lawrence Shaw, project consultant for Aspinall's.

"Newcastle is such a leisure-orientated city, and that has been proven by the success of The Gate. As a casino operator, it ticked every box.

"The idea is to make Aspers a destination not solely for hard-core gambling. Customers will be able to come and spend the whole evening and not gamble. Existing casinos in the UK are mainly restricted to hard-core gambling and do not attract anybody else.

"Aspinall's has more experience of running Las Vegas-style casinos than any other UK operator, having been involved in operations in Australia, France and New Zealand, which put great emphasis on complementary activities."

The casino, with a capacity of more than 1,200, will have a South Seas themed dcor with two bars, including one with live entertainment and one with sports screens, and a restaurant.

Aspinall's said The Gate's location next to the Chinatown area of Newcastle was a factor.

"It is an added benefit for us," said Mr Shaw.

"We are very keen to play a big part in the regeneration of the area, and would love to see a Chinatown in Newcastle like the one in New York or London.

"The Chinese community has great ideas for the improvement of the area, and that suits us perfectly."

Chris January, of Aspinall's property agent Gerald Eve, said: "Aspinall's is looking to break down barriers, change the traditional image of casinos in this country, and bring a new level of quality and entertainment to the whole sector."

The Gate, which cost £80m to build, opened in November 2002.

Its list of patrons include national operators Tiger Tiger, Mood, Pizza Hut, Frankie and Benny's, Ask, MA Potters, Lloyds No1, Nando's and Odeon.

Local bar/restaurant operators include Sam Jack's, Beyond Bar, Hide Bar and Spice Cube.

Published: 27/04/2004