THURROCK's proposed £300m Supercasino could include a 250-bed four-star hotel and create more than 4,000 jobs for the borough.

Should Thurrock win the bid to house England's first and only Supercasino, both Thurrock council and Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation have confirmed the complex will be built on land near Arena Essex.

Bid bosses expect more than three million punters are expected to visit the Supercasino every year, spending upwards of £100m.

According to the borough's official Supercasino proposal - submitted to the Government's Casino Advisory Panel - around 2,000 jobs would be created instantly should Thurrock be named as the successful bidder, with a further 2,000 jobs created once the complex is built.

The proposal said: "Both the council and the development corporation believe that Thurrock offers a unique opportunity to test the concept and social impact of a regional casino."

Under the plans, a huge casino as large as a football pitch and housing up to 1,250 slot machines and 80 gaming tables would be built.

The application to house the regional Supercasino was made by Thurrock Council at the request of Development Corporation, which was set up by the Government in 2003 to stimulate regeneration and "encourage new job opportunities" in the borough.

The Arena Essex site is currently owned by local businessman Tony Woodruff, but, the Development Corporation has concluded terms for a joint venture agreement with the site owners.

Although the plans have been published on a government website, the council and development corporation acknowledge they are far from complete.

The report added: "There is a need for further work on its part in responding to some of the detailed information the Panel is seeking, including the results of local public consultation. However, we are confident that we will be able to present a compelling case within the timetable of the selection process."

Thurrock's bid is one of 27 submitted by local authorities - including Southend Council - to house the Supercasino. A final decision on the winning application will be made by the Government's casino advisory panel in December. To find out more visit www.culture.gov.uk/cap