The Gate is one of the most popular areas of Newcastle

Casino firm Aspinalls and the pub company Centro are investing about �7m in the Gate complex in Newcastle.

The �80m Gate site is already home to cinemas, bars and other leisure facilities.

The Gate has also won an award for the way it has blended commercial and leisure use.

It was named Best Commercial Mixed-Use Leisure Scheme at the 2003 Property Awards in London.

Leisure operators

Adam Johnson, manager of the Gate said: "Since the Gate opened in November 2002, we have gone from strength to strength breathing life into the City.

"It's great to be commended for our achievements, especially at a time when the Gate enters a new phase in its development with the addition of two major leisure operators to our thriving venue.

"The announcement of more jobs and investment is a valuable addition to the Gate's diverse range of bars and entertainment."

Aspinalls has taken over 40,000 square feet for its �5m casino, which will create more than 200 jobs.

The family of Australian media magnate Kerry Packer has invested in the 1,000-capacity club.

It is the first in what is planned to be a national chain called Aspers.

Company director Damian Aspinall said: "The Gate will be the first of the Aspers' brand casinos and we expect it will have a million visits a year."