Glasgow’s bid for Britain’s first regional ‘super casino’ came under scrutiny at an Examination in Public (EiP) arranged by the government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport at the city’s Hilton hotel.

Glasgow City Council (GCC) leader Steven Purcell, delivering his opening statement at the EiP, said that the casino would ‘make a major and unique contribution to Glasgow’s ongoing social and economic regeneration.’

Ken Rolwegan, representing the ‘man in the street’ at the EiP, disagreed with Mr Purcell, objecting to plans for a ‘super casino’. He told the LOCAL NEWS, ‘We’re happy with the development of Glasgow over the past 25 years. It has successfully changed its image to a city of culture and leisure and I don’t see how a casino could help that.’

Mr Rolwegan, a church elder, pointed out that increased traffic as a result of the casino could lead to traffic congestion in the Clyde Tunnel, which would create problems for ambulances when the re-vamped Southern General opens. He also voiced concerns about GCC’s public consultation, saying, ‘The council has not properly consulted the people of Glasgow. A survey of 1000 people is not representative.’

Mr Purcell went on to say at the EiP, ‘As a catalyst for providing jobs and improving investment prospects for our city, a regional casino would assist progress by providing construction and training programmes for the creation of local employment, through a high commitment to education and training programmes, required to ensure the local workforce are trained to international quality standards, social benefits through investment in community facilities and transport enhancements and additional infrastructure investments.’

TWISTED LOGIC

The city’s Green Party voiced their support for Mr Rolwegan, ‘the lone opposing voice permitted at this examination’. Glasgow Green MSP Patrick Harvie said, ‘The idea that a super-casino could be a vehicle for successful urban regeneration is twisted logic. The proposal might regenerate bank balances for some, but for Glaswegians it will do nothing to improve the quality of life or life chances in Glasgow.’

If Glasgow’s bid is successful, one of the possible locations is in Ibrox, opposite Rangers football stadium. Rangers FC and casino giant Las Vegas Sands have been granted planning permission for a £120 million development that would include a casino, hotel, private flats and large-scale conference facilities. It is estimated that the casino would bring around 2500 jobs to the area. Representing Rangers FC, Sam McEwan told the EiP that if they were successful they would aim to employ 50 per cent of staff from the local area, and that they would work with local colleges to develop training programmes.

Mr Rolwegan added, ‘We’re pleased that the Scottish Executive has not backed the bid. We don’t need a casino in Glasgow. Either David Murray’s or an American businessman’s bank balance will receive a boost, but this is not
the economic benefit it’s being touted as.’

Speaking after the EiP, Mr Purcell said, ‘The final decision now lies with the advisory panel and the Secretary of State, but Glasgow’s case is compelling and we are more confident than ever that it cannot be overlooked.’