Casino operator Stanley Leisure has announced plans to build a £125m regional casino on a site adjacent to Elland Road, the home of football club Leeds United.

Stanley acquired the land by buying the entire share capital of the club’s property arm Leeds United Properties – which owned the seven acre site next to the stadium – for £5m.

This means that, despite the location, the 150,000sq ft casino would have no affiliation with the football club.

Stanley now expects to submit a planning application for a casino which would meet the government’s definition for a regional casino, including a hotel, restaurants, bars, leisure facilities and retail units.

Bob Wiper, Stanley’s chief executive, said: “It is expected that this project will be complete by 2007 and we estimate the complex will create over 1,000 new jobs in addition to the jobs associated with the development phase.

“This development consolidates our position in the UK market and we expect our existing Star City casino in Birmingham to move to regional casino status soon after the new legislation is introduced.”