£12m casino move to create 72 jobs in Dudley
A casino and bingo hall will move to a Dudley retail park as part of a £12 million investment creating 72 jobs.
Castle Casino will relaunch as Casino 36 and move to a newly built site at Castlegate Park.
The venue will be split into two floors, with the casino upstairs and a bingo hall on the ground floor.
Bosses hope the move to the busy retail park will bring in more custom and allow it to benefit from being close to other attractions including the Showcase Cinema and restaurants.
The larger venue is expected to open next year.
The move continues the company's investment, coming after the recent launch of a casino in Wolverhampton.
Group general manager Craig Dobson said: "Castlegate Park already has many great facilities, we wanted to build on that and drive more visitors to the area.
"We are keen to maintain the traditional Black Country roots of our existing Castle Casino but with a modern look.
"Our new facilities will be spread over two floor. The ground floor will house a 450 seat main stage bingo hall, which will provide up to 14 sessions per week, with state-of-the-art facilities and technology for a relaxed and pleasurable bingo experience.
"The casino will be on the first floor of the property, and will provide all the traditional casino favourites, such as roulette and blackjack, as well as the latest innovations in casino technology."
The arrival of the bingo hall will come hot on the heels of Mecca Bingo's arrival in the town.
The company is taking over the former Select and Save shop on High Street.
Mr Dobson said: "'Bingo has never really fallen out of fashion, but in more recent years it has become a regular pastime for people in their 20s and 30s.
"It is becoming a familiar sight in Bingo halls up and down the country to see young adults enjoying their free time with the more mature generations, it is warming to know that we can be a part of this growing pastime."
Company director Adrian Ballard said: "We are determined to provide something that the area is lacking, and are focused on providing new facilities in a friendly and safe environment where people can relax in an exciting and fresh new setting."
