 The club said a new ground could make it a world rugby force |
Salford City Reds rugby league club are expected to get the go ahead for a new stadium on Thursday. The city council's planners are likely to approve plans for a 20,000 arena, four-star hotel, shops and casino.
The club wants to move to Barton after more than 100 years playing at The Willows, in Weaste.
The plans include provision for a super casino but can be downscaled if, as expected, the government only approves one Las Vegas-style casino.
A smaller scale casino would attract 1,500 new jobs to the area, it has been predicted.
'Great forces'
Fans have put forward an online petition with more than 1,000 signatures in favour of the move.
But 80 letters of objection from residents have been received, citing concerns over noise pollution, drunken behaviour, and the impact of the retail development on shops in nearby Eccles.
The club hope a new stadium will help propel it into the "one of the great forces in the world of rugby league".
It has asked fans to attend the planning meeting, which was being held on Thursday at the Civic Centre, in Swinton.
If the plans are approved, they will need the permission of deputy prime minister John Prescott before building work can begin.
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