If a licensing hearing in August goes in its favour, the UK will have a brand new land-based casino operator by the end of the year. Phil Clegg finds out more...
Casino Red, which already has an online presence, is planing to open its first venue in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, in November. And the two youthful entrepreneurs claim it be the first of a chain of Casino Red locations.
The venue for the casino is an historic building that previously housed the town’s Princess Cinema. It is in the heart of the town’s entertainment hub. “Our concept is that we are not primarily about gaming - we want to offer a total night out,” said Casino Red chief executive Nicholas Boyes-Hunter.
“I know that a lot of UK operators have made that claim recently, but we really mean it. The way the casino is being designed, people will be able to come in, enjoy live entertainment, fine dining, a few drinks with friends and not even encounter the gaming floor.”
Boyes-Hunter was the founder of casino software developer EndX Group, which was sold to Progressive Gaming in 2005 for US$27m. His partner in Casino Red is Jonathan Truelove, who has worked for Rank in the UK, a couple of cruise operators in the US, Playboy Gaming in Greece and Storm International in North Africa and Russia.
The Huddersfield project represents a £5m investment in the town by Casino Red. It would restore part of Huddersfield’s historic town centre, in the process creating over 120 jobs. “We chose the town out of hundreds of possibilities, but it was an easy decision for us to make,” said Boyes-Hunter.
“It is a vibrant town with a thriving social scene and we knew on viewing the old cinema that we could develop a spectacular site in a tremendous location.” Visitors to the venue will encounter an impressive reception area from which they can access any of the facilities on offer.
The casino will be spread over four floors. The basement will house a dedicated poker room, while the ground floor will host the rest of the venue’s gaming activities, including blackjack, roulette and electronic machines.
A mezzanine circle will carry an 85-cover restaurant and separate bar with a view on to the ground floor gaming and stage area. A further third floor gallery will hold a VIP or private booking section with a view over all floors. The domed ceiling is to be restored.
Chief operating officer Jonathan Truelove said: “Huddersfield is a prosperous town and is one of the largest boroughs in the UK. Everyone we have spoken to in the town has been hugely positive about the project. We will provide a safe, responsible, friendly and controlled entertainment environment.”
Casino Red will work with architects and interior designers WDL to ensure the building is restored in line with the aesthetics of the existing structure and surroundings. Internally the brief is to retain elements of original features, while encompassing contemporary design and the latest technologies.
Casino Red has also become the new shirt sponsor for Huddersfield Town FC, the town’s football club. This deal represents the biggest single sponsorship agreement in the club’s 99-year history. “We are passionate about Huddersfield Town and are looking forward to working with the club and the community in taking Huddersfield Town forward,” said Boyes-Hunter.
“It is an exciting club to be involved with, playing in a fantastic stadium to hugely passionate fans. We are committed to building our relationship with the club, the fans and the town as a whole.”
