Questions about future of Resorts World attraction amid change of use bid

The £150 million Resorts Worlld
-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited


A gaming attraction at Resorts World could be turned into a restaurant. Vortex Gaming at the £150 million leisure destination, based at the National Exhibition Centre, offers virtual reality, video and arcade games.

But in a new application to Solihull Council owner Genting said a change was needed to “respond to changing market conditions”. The application for the unit seeks a change of use from ‘sui generis’ to a class E unit.

The planning class covers various uses including the sale of food and drink; financial and professional service; indoor sport recreation or fitness; medical or health services; creche or day nursery and office or light industrial. The class also typically covers retail but the Malaysian firm has stressed it is not applying for this use.

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What the firm wants the unit to become was not specified in the application which was lodged with Solihull Council on January 27. But a planning statement, written by agent Turley on behalf of the applicant, said: “The application seeks permission for all uses within class E apart from retail, although the unit is most likely to be used for leisure or restaurant use.

“The unit is currently in use as ‘Vortex’ which is operated directly by Genting and was subject to planning permission for a change of use from a restaurant use some time ago. This planning application seeks flexibility to revert to its former use, including all other uses. The proposed class E use will enhance the visitor offer and experience of visitors to the NEC by supporting its primary conference and events functions.

“A wide range of class E uses including leisure and food and beverage uses on campus enable events providers such as the NEC to increase its global competitiveness. Changing the use of these units will directly support the success of the NEC by encouraging more visitors to stay in the area for longer periods of time.”

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A consultation is now underway with a closing date for submissions of February 25. To view the plans and submit a comment search for application PL/2025/00151/PPFL at https://publicaccess.solihull.gov.uk/online-applications.

The Pendigo Way-based lakeside venue, which was designed to resemble a cruise liner, opened in 2015. Resorts World features an IMAX cinema, Hollywood Bowl and bp pulse live - a 15,000-plus seated venue which hosts more than 100 shows per year.