bet365 lodges plans to build new facilities at Etruria Valley

The Stoke-on-Trent based bet365 has lodged plans to build a sports hall and staff training facility at Etruria Valley, as the company prepares to recruit up to 300 more workers over the next five years.

The proposed development, which will also see nine jobs created, will include two tennis courts, two multi-purpose sports pitches and a sports hall for staff to use before and after work.

It is set to be built on a neighbouring site within Etruria Valley on land near Wade Ceramics. The sports facilities for football, tennis, badminton and basketball will be open every day from 8am to 11pm.

Tom Ayres, a consultant at the RPS group, said in a planning statement: “The proposed development will provide the opportunity for staff to lead healthy lifestyles. It will provide free-to-use sporting and training facilities for around 2,500 staff working for bet365 in Stoke-on-Trent.

“It therefore has the potential to make a significant overall contribution to the health of local people by reducing the risk of major illnesses, while also having the potential to promote team building and boost productivity within the workplace. In addition, the development will provide a more attractive living and working environment for staff which will help to foster mental well-being.”

The statement continues: “Bet365 is the largest private-sector employer in Stoke-on-Trent, contributing around £80 million annually to the local economy. The growth of the business remains strong and projections for the business suggest that bet365 will employ around 2,700 to 2,800 staff in Stoke-on-Trent by 2022.”

Stoke-on-Trent North MP Ruth Smeeth welcomed the company’s latest expansion plan by saying: “Bet365’s ongoing commitment to the city must be applauded.”

Just three weeks ago, bet365 beat Unibet, Sky Bet, Pinnacle and 10bet to take home the Bookmaker of the Year Award at the SBC Awards 2016.