CASINO operator Grosvenor are the latest investor in the regeneration of a Wirral seaside town.

The company plans to spend £6m fitting out a new casino in the scheme, creating 120 jobs – but the plan effectively spells the end of a major redevelopment in central Birkenhead.

Grosvenor had been linked with a major regeneration project at Europa Boulevard, adjacent to Conway station and close to the main town centre. However, this was abandoned by the council last year.

With the completion of the final phase of New Brighton’s £65m redevelopment in sight, Rob Mason, development director for Neptune, said Grosvenor’s decision to invest in the seaside resort was “fantastic news” which could help attract other major national chains to the scheme, known as Marine Point.

Neptune are in talks with a number of operators for bars and restaurants there as the building work continues to progress.

The developers are set to hand over the supermarket building to Morrisons next week to allow fitting out to begin within weeks in preparation for opening in October – a key month which should also see the opening of a digital cinema, the Light.

Prior to that, the Travelodge hotel is expected to open in August, followed in September by some of the restaurants – the remainder of which are expected to open later in the year.

Mr Mason said the addition of Grosvenor to the scheme fitted with their initial plans as they already had planning permission allowing for a casino or bingo hall.