Numerous residents of the city of Westminster have reportedly officially objected to a proposal by Continuity Capital to create a 24 hour casino venue within a grade II listed townhouse on Charles Street.
Westminster residents are concerned for a number of reasons. Some have cited concerns over their children witnessing gambling on a daily basis; others have expressed concern about gambling venues’ traditional connection to potential organized crime activities, money lending, and prostitution.
Other parents were reportedly uneasy about designated increased driving and pedestrian activity. Many said they were worried about safety as a result, including that of women and children returning home late to neighbouring residential properties.
Continuity Capital has issued a blanket statement in response to the concerns, stating that gambling activities would not be visible to the neighbours thanks to deployment of a canopy featuring inter-layer glass, and that later evening activities would take place in a basement area of the house. They also stated that smoking will be permitted in the basement due to the provision of a tobacco smoke extraction system, as reported in the Camden New Journal.
Such tactics may remove the visible and aromatic elements of the venue’s activity but seem unlikely to have any impact on the presence of increased traffic around the venue.
The future of the proposed casino remains unsettled.
