Resorts World: Work on £150m destination due to be completed by summer

The Resorts World project, which is being built on the NEC campus near Birmingham, will feature everything from discount brand-name stores to a hotel and spa.

Bosses at Genting UK, which is binuilding the project opposite the Genting Arena, which it sponsors, said the project is on track for completion by summer.

Although there is some scaffolding still visible, the impressive glass fronting along the front of the building is complete, with integral structural work now complete.

Inside, the building is now water-tight, with workers focusing on areas such as the four-star hotel rooms and shop spaces on the ground floor.

Barry Clemo, resorts operations director, said the project will be a huge boost for Birmingham.

He said: "Resorts World is a leisure and entertainment hospitality brand, and we have eight other destinations throughout the world including Singapore, Malaysia, New York and one still to be completed in Las Vegas.

"The other resorts are bigger but they do have the space, what we have tried to achieve here is bring the essence of what Resorts World is all about but do it in a way that fits on the campus, so whilst it is not as big as the others, there is a hell of a lot in there."

Mr Clemo, who has worked at Genting UK for four years, said the building is unique in that although there are other places like it, none of them combine all of its working parts under one roof.

With structural work complete, a major fit-out has begun, with main sub-contractors Galliford Try continuing work on several parts of the huge resort and other sections, such as the IMAX cinema, being handed off to other contractors.

Mr Clemo said: "There could be anything up to 600 people a day working on site at any one moment, it is a massive project and we have estimated around 1,700 jobs have been created during the course of the build, and that is just construction.

"When we open roughly 1,100 full time jobs will be created. We are looking to pull from the local area to fill these roles. We have already advertised and recruited some senior roles in the management offices and casino, although it is still early days.

• Fifty discount outlet brands, such as Nike

• Twelve restaurants, with Pizza Express and TGI Fridays already signed on

• Five bars

• A late night lounge and nightclub.

• An Asian themed spa

• Four-star boutique hotel

• Casino

• A futuristic conference centre

• IMAX cinema with 11 screens

"There is a huge opportunity here but we are going to have to get out to market and let people know.

"Apart from the jobs, there is significant investment, that brings with it business opportunities.

"When you think of the location, near to the airport, the M42, the M6, it is just a great destination venue."

Alongside the cinema space, which is being leased by Cineworld, almost 80 per cent of the rest of the building has been leased by tenants, according to Mr Clemo.

"This is outlet shopping so this is all about great high street brands at heavily discounted prices, that is the draw, that is important for us as it makes the whole experience something very exciting," Mr Clemo said. "The brands will come here because it is the only outlet of its type in the country."

The International Convention Centre, which is part of the NEC Group, is leasing the Vox conference centre, which can seat up to 1,000 people and be divided up from an open space into several rooms at a moment's notice.

Mr Clemo said he is excited for the fast approaching completion date, which he believes will be some time in the summer.

"Nothing in the UK, or Europe for that matter, has all these moving parts under one roof. That is the unique proposition of Resorts World, that is what we do around the world," he said. "This allows you to just turn up, park your car, and relax, just build your own event. Take each bit and put it together to make an occasion for yourself.

"There is £150m worth of investment and to be involved with the project is pretty cool. Even if I did not work for Genting, having this on the doorstep, I would be coming here.

"It allows me to bring my wife and my daughter, park up, have a fantastic time and just enjoy ourselves, all under one roof. It is totally unique and totally exciting."

Mr Clemo said Genting UK has a positive relationship with the NEC Group and the project will benefit both sides.

Martin Clarke, marketing director at the NEC, said: "The opening of Resorts World will transform the NEC site into a 24/7 destination, which will not only have a positive impact on the region's economy and job market, but will also enhance the visitor experience."