A new £10m regional entertainment complex has opened in Northampton providing a major boost to the local economy.

The new Aspers casino in Commercial Street features a spectacular bar, fabulous restaurant, Clary’s, live entertainment, as well as the traditional gaming tables, poker room and slot machines.

General Manager Mark Darnell says that as well as creating new jobs, the venue will bring in visitors to the town from surrounding counties.

“It will help the hotel and general tourism trade by giving Northampton an extra attraction,” he said.

The Aspers group owns and operates the famous Aspinalls Club in Mayfair and has successful casinos in Newcastle and Swansea, with plans for more sites across the UK.

The Northampton complex has been more than two years in the making, with a 12 month refurbishment programme seeing a rundown former auction house turned into an upmarket impressive venue.

Mark, a former Managing Director of Rushden and Diamonds Football Club with extensive knowledge of the town, was appointed to oversee the opening of the venue and the recruitment of more than 100 new staff.

He admits the recruitment process ’wasn’t an easy one’: “We are talking about a town that has a high employment rate, so finding the right caliber of staff was a challenge. We really wanted the right employees that we could train and who could grow with the business. Fortunately, after much searching and many interviews we got there; we now have an excellent team on board.”

He believes the location of the venue is superb with plans to attract custom not just from within Northampton but across the county and indeed surrounding towns within a 45 minute drive.

“We chose Northampton because it is a vibrant area but we are looking beyond here; there are neighbouring towns like Kettering, Wellingborough, Rushden and Corby. The nearest casino to the north of us is Leicester, to the west is Coventry and to the south is Luton.”

Appealing to the business community is also a major part of the casino’s offering, with the venue open for corporate hospitality, conferences and meetings.

Of particular success is the company’s Aspire scheme which Mark believes will prove popular among the region’s business people.

Anyone joining the free Aspire scheme receives a complimentary £5 voucher to spend on food, drink or gaming chips and the Aspire card can then be used on other visits to get further discounts and offers.

“We are setting the benchmark for how casinos should be – offering something for all adults, whether they want to gamble or not,” concluded Mark.

For more information about Aspers call 0845 521 1171 or visit www.aspersnorthampton.co.uk