PLANS for a new Saints stadium will be pushed forward in the new year but hopes of creating a multi-million pound casino and entertainment complex now seem to be on hold.

Key players in the development have decided to kick-on with the stadium project because it could take up to two years to find out whether a casino can be built in St Helens.

It is understood the project may now take a two-stage approach, with developers hoping to build a stadium and supermarket initially on the United Glass site in Peasley Cross, providing a planning application is approved.

Casino and leisure facilities could follow later if a gaming licence can be secured for St Helens once the controversial gambling bill has gone through Parliament.

Sources close to the project revealed developers will look towards adopting a "bolt-on" approach, under which different attractions are added on the site over several years.

The change of approach means initial investment in 'Destination St Helens' is likely to be less, and the stadium plans may have to be scaled down.

However, developers will look to make the design flexible so enhancements to the stadium can be made in future years once further investment has been secured.

Initially it appeared around 40 super casinos would be allowed in the country, but a government climbdown means there will be a cap of eight casinos in each of three size categories, regional, large and small.

Sports Minister Richard Caborn announced an independent body will be set up to decide where casinos will be built, but will make decisions only towards the end of 2006.

Changes to the bill, which follow national newspaper campaigns, have hit several large-scale development proposals across the country, with some having to scrap detailed planning applications.

But the source close to 'Destination St Helens' said there is confidence the flexibility of the scheme means plan B is achievable.

He said: "Some developers have been stuck in a cul-de-sac but our package is robust enough to take on the chain of events, digest it and move forward.

"What is encouraging is, and what we have never seen before, is a real determination and everybody pulling together in the right direction. This fortifies people to make sure we deliver this."

l A planning application is expected to be submitted to St Helens Council early in the new year. The project could then be 'called in' by the office of Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott.