ARCADIS AYH, project managers and cost consultants, have successfully delivered the UK's largest casino, which opened in Coventry on 6th July.  It represents a £36 million investment, covers 100,000 sq ft of the famous Ricoh Arena and promises to set a whole new tone and pace for the UK gaming industry. 

The casino is owned by Isle of Capri Casinos ("the Isle"), one of the 10 largest publicly held gaming companies in the United States, and the Isle Casino in Coventry is the organisation's first venture overseas. 

With the gaming market becoming increasingly competitive for sites and licenses in prime locations on both sides of the Atlantic, the Isle relies on consistent and innovative solutions to project delivery.  ARCADIS AYH has been appointed on the strength of its cost planning expertise, with ARCADIS WwPC*, the ARCADIS AYH-led international project and cost management network, undertaking project delivery and cost management for all the Isle's US developments. 

Ian Smith at ARCADIS AYH comments:  "ARCADIS AYH has been recognised for its innovative approach to cost management; providing a UK style of cost control that is attuned to the US gaming market. We have combined in-depth local knowledge with thorough attention to detail to deliver a far-reaching and strategic cost management strategy.  The Isle has appreciated and expanded our experience in cost management of development projects to control not only our projects in the UK, but have asked for ARCADIS WwPC to bring their expertise to the USA as well."

The casino in Coventry will offer a unique themed entertainment experience, with gaming action at the heart of a full range of leisure facilities, including five bars, one with 20 plasma screens on a 30 metre Sports bar; live performance stage and three restaurants in an exotic tropical themed environment with a spectacular 35 metre in-door waterfall.  Not only will the casino become one of the country's most exciting nights out, but will also become one of the region's biggest employers, with over 300 jobs on offer

The casino will be run by one of international gaming's most experienced operators, Managing Director, Chris Brammer, who believes this casino epitomises the future of UK gaming and comments: "The Isle identified UK gaming as a potential growth market and was keen to harness ARCADIS AYH's knowledge of the UK planning and development industries.  The Isle is the face of the future for gaming in this country - it's more than a casino, it's an entertainment destination.  Customers may come to the Isle to enjoy a meal at our restaurant run by a Michelin rated chef, to watch a sports event or see a show, and may also gamble – whoever comes, we promise to give them a memorable night out".  

The Isle will open under current regulations with the longer term aim of becoming one of the Government's primary 'regional' casinos and has been built with an infra-structure ready-made to assume that status.  

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Isle of Capri contacts
o Managing Director, Chris Brammer and Marketing Director, Martin Clarke will be available for one-to-one interviews on site
o If you are interested in a site tour and interview please contact Lucy Howell or Karen Abrams on 020 7402 9966/ lucy@freerange.eu
o Visuals are also available.

Additional Information:

The casino will offer:
o Three restaurants:
o Farraddays – offering a range of fine food and drinks from steaks or prime rib to fresh from the market seafood.   Farraddays has its own separate entrance; everyone is welcome from families to businesses or those looking for the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion.
o Tradewinds Marketplace – perfect for light snacks or quick meals serving cuisine from around the world; changed daily.
o The Club - intimate and discrete members only with a menu devised by Michelin rated chef
o Five bars:
o Isle One, a sophisticated and stylish cocktail bar
o Bar 87 Sports Bar – named after the winning CCFC FA Cup Team (an exciting sports bar with 20 plasma screens, showing all of the top events along a 30 metre long bar)
o Lady G's – the isle's showbar with regular live entertainment/shows
o Farraddays Bar at Farraddays Restaurant
o The Club Bar – membership only
o 32 table games:
o 16 American roulette
o 11 Blackjack
o 2 Three Card Poker
o 2 Punto Banco
o 1 Craps
o Plus 30 slot machines accepting wagers from one penny to two pounds and 50 touch bet roulette stations

o Entry is over 18 only

o Gaming hours are:
o July – Sep 1: 1400-0600 weekdays & 1400-0400 Saturday/Sunday
o From Sept 1: 12 noon – 0600 weekdays & 12 noon - 0400 Saturday/Sunday

o Membership is free; photo ID (passport/drivers license) is required.

o Dress code is smart casual

o The Isle operates a responsible gaming policy and is committed to training its staff to identify any potential problems.  The isle supports the work of Gamcare, the leading charity helping those with gambling issues. 

o The Isle Casino at Coventry is owned by Isle of Capri Casinos Inc.  Founded in 1992 as a single riverboat casino in Biloxi USA, the Isle is now one of the 10 largest publicly held gaming companies in the United States with operations in 14 locations including the Bahamas, Colarado, Missippippi and Louisiana.