1100 new jobs created as NEC casino and cinema build begins

Construction work started this morning on a casino, hotel, cinema and shopping complex at the NEC.

It's being built by a Malaysian gambling firm, Genting. It's being called Resorts World, Birmingham. There'll be a four star hotel with 170 rooms, 45 shops, an eleven screen cinema and a casino.

1750 jobs will be created for the construction of the complex and there'll be 1100 full time jobs when it's up and running. Genting is a huge Malaysian company which is involved in producing palm oil, gas and power generation and operates cruise ships. It already operates four casinos in Birmingham and Coventry.

The idea behind the scheme is to firstly attract people to the NEC but to convince those who come for concerts to stay longer and spend money at the hotel, in the shops and in the casino. Peter Brooks, Genting Casinos President in the UK said his firm is committed to making sure that people gamble responsibly. The company is also working with Jobcentre plus to help local people get jobs at the complex.