First meeting of ministerial group plans how to replace all jobs 鈥渓ost鈥� in supercasino U-turn

Hazel Blears yesterday chaired the first meeting of the ministerial group for the regeneration of East Manchester.

The group will look at a number of alternatives for the regeneration of East Manchester, after the regional casino plans were officially dropped by the government in February.

The development of Sportcity, rail capacity improvements, facilities for higher and further education and a multi-area agreement are being considered to provide East Manchester with as many jobs as the supercasino would have created.

Communities secretary Hazel Blears said: 鈥淭his group will help Manchester city council and its partners to drive forward new jobs, more skills and better transport for our communities. The government is fully committed to continue the successful regeneration of Manchester well into the future.鈥�

Other group members include culture, media and sport secretary Andy Burnham, transport secretary Ruth Kelly, and Bryan Gray, the leader of Manchester city council.