On paper: Coun. Colin Inglis, Peter Hain MP, Leader of the House of Commons, and Adam Pearson inspect the proposed plans for a Casino to be built on the carparking space at Hull's KC Stadium.

Talks with Vegas firm could make stadium a safe bet

Viva KC Stadium! Following Trans Atlantic negotiations with a Las Vegas company, Hull has come a step closer to winning a major leisure complex, complete with a casino, on the stadium site.

When finalised, the deal between the Stadium Management Company and Las Vegas Sands Leisure could bring a jobs and visitor jackpot to the city. The complex, also including a shopping arcade, restaurants and conference and exhibition facilities, would complement the current world-class sports facilities, further putting the stadium on the national map as a top attraction.

It would also boost visitor figures for the city at the same time as bringing wealth to the area. It would create thousands of jobs for local people both during the construction and in staffing the completed development. An initial document has been signed with Las Vegas Sands, owners of the prestigious Venetian Casino and leisure complex in Las Vegas, where Hollywood stars including Sandra Bullock have held their star studded weddings. That starts the process of working towards opening a major European leisure complex within three years.

Stadium Management Company chairman Adam Pearson said: "We are delighted to have now signed a key provisions document with Las Vegas Sands in relation to the proposed leisure complex planned for the KC Stadium. "This document is the first step in ensuring that a significant gaming and leisure project is developed in Hull which will be to the advantage of the city in creating employment and attracting external investment. "The next stage is to move to an agreement for lease which agrees the design, build, capital spend and lease."