One of Europe’s biggest casino operators today unveiled plans for a new GBP 25m leisure complex in Hull.

If given the go-ahead, the development could create up to 1,000 new full and part-time jobs.

Apollo Casino Resorts want to open the complex in the new Manor Mill development, which was given planning permission last month.

The planning consent includes 52,875sqft of space for a casino on three levels of a nine-storey block.

Earmarked for the derelict Clarence Mill site overlooking the River Hull next to Drypool Bridge, the scheme will also include a 23-storey apartment block, student accommodation and a 185-room hotel.

The group behind the new casino is a partnership between the UK-based Apollo Resorts And Leisure and Casinos Austria International, which operates more than 70 venues in 15 different countries.

They are the first leisure operators to go public with specific plans to apply for a new so-called large casino licence in Hull.

Apollo Resorts And Leisure chairman Paul Gregg said: „We think it is an exciting opportunity for Hull.

„We are not only looking at opening a casino under the Government’s new gambling legislation, but a full destination resort including five new restaurants on the site to create a distinctive attraction.

„We have looked at a number of other cities and a number of other sites in Hull but believe this is the most appropriate.“

The go-ahead will hinge on Apollo securing the large casino licence awarded to Hull by the Government under new gambling legislation introduced earlier this year.

Hull City Council is expected to invite applications for the licence early in the new year.

Under the legislation, large casinos will be allowed up to 150 slot machines with GBP 4,000 jackpots.

Manor Mill developer Philip Akrill said he was delighted at the link-up with Apollo.

He said: „It is an international company that is keen to bring a quality product to Hull.“