A HUGE casino leisure complex is set to transform the face of Greater Manchester - and create 1,500 jobs.

The plans, revealed in full for the first time today, include not only a gambling centre with 1,250 slot machines but also a 2,750-seat ice rink arena, a themed swimming complex, a 150-bed hotel and 500 apartments.

Other elements include a multi-use sports building with 1,000 seats that could host major boxing matches, and a snooker hall earmarked for national competitions.

There would also be 26,000 sq ft of office space that could provide a regional headquarters for major sporting organisations, a health-and-fitness suite and an outdoor urban sports centre with five-a-side football and hockey pitches.

Manchester council was expected to announce today it had chosen a `preferred developer' for the site, around the Sportcity zone in east Manchester.

The area already houses Manchester City in the former Commonwealth Games stadium.

Eleven parties expressed interest and the "winners" have been chosen from a shortlist of six.

It emerged in April that Peel Holdings, owners of the Trafford Centre, and casino giant MGM were interested in developing sites in Manchester and Salford.

The companies' interest angered Salford Reds Rugby League Club, which had rival plans for a casino and 20,000-seater stadium in the same Salford location.

The government has announced it will relax gaming laws - making it easier for companies to build huge out-of-town casinos. Manchester council owns the land around Sportcity and would benefit by leasing it and negotiating a percentage of the profit.

The planned East Manchester complex would cover 870,000 sq ft.

As well as 1,250 slot machines, the casion would have 50 gaming tables and its own bars and restaurants.

The council estimates the project would create 1,100 full-time and 400 part-time jobs.

What do you think of the plans?