Rangers super casino plans approved by council

Rangers have been given planning permission for a £120m (€178m) Las Vegas-style super casino and hotel complex.

The development beside their Ibrox ground, which would create about 2,000 jobs, was given the go-ahead by Glasgow City Council.

Final approval for the super casino now rests with the UK Government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Rangers have entered into a partnership with Las Vegas Sands for the scheme, which they said would regenerate the wider Govan area.

The casino would have a full-sized sports pitch on its roof, while a new Rangers megastore, flats, shops, bars and restaurants would also be built.

A 168,000 sq ft leisure and entertainment complex on land beside Ibrox and the nearby Albion car park would be at the heart of the new site.

The plans include a 140-bedroom hotel, conference, banqueting and bar facilities, a gym and fitness centre, 279 apartments and a children’s play area.

A spokesman for the city council confirmed that its development applications sub-committee had granted planning permission this morning.

A spokesman for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said it would be 2007 at the earliest before any final decision is made.

The UK Government has said it will only allow one regional super casino and Glasgow could face stiff competition – Blackpool has already applied to build one.

A spokesman said: “An independent panel will be set up to report to ministers on applications for super casinos.

“They must consider a whole range of aspects such as socio-economic impact and how the application could regenerate the area.

“The case for hosting the super casino will be made by the local authority - in this case Glasgow – this is the first step but not the last.”

Rangers chairman David Murray said he was “delighted” with the city council’s approval.

He said: “The decision puts Glasgow significantly ahead of the rest of the UK in the race to secure the regeneration that a regional casino licence will bring.

“This development will bring so much to the community around Ibrox, not just in terms of better housing and leisure facilities, but also through employment opportunities.

“The creation of our vision will put Glasgow and Ibrox firmly on the map as a top-class leisure and tourism destination.”

Rangers said local people will have the opportunity to apply for at least half of the 2,000 jobs the club promises will be created if the plans get the green light.

The Govan area is currently plagued by unemployment levels of around 14%.

Las Vegas Sands president, Bill Weidner, Rangers’ partner in the venture, said: “This is great news for Glasgow.

“Las Vegas Sands builds multi-faceted entertainment complexes that provide great experiences, whether dining, shopping or gaming and we look forward to bringing that experience to Glasgow.”