Sands Bethlehem announced in a release Nov. 14 the plan for a $90 million expansion to the Southside gaming and entertainment campus to begin development next year.

The current expansion plan is to add a new gaming floor and more than 1,000 gaming seats along with more restaurant space, restrooms and back of house (staff-only) facilities, all of which will measure about 60,000 square feet.

The casino expansion is proposed within the existing parking lot located to the north of the casino. The existing parking lot will be reduced in size, however parking will be provided within the casino property as well as the recently constructed parking lot near the Hoover Mason Trestle.

“We are proud to continue with our commitment toward reinvestment in the property by making this significant addition,” Mark Juliano, president of Sands Bethlehem said. “With our outstanding gaming, entertainment and dining options Sands Bethlehem will continue to be one of the Northeast’s premiere gaming and entertainment destinations.”

The expansion plan is subject to approval from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, and work will be scheduled for the first quarter of 2017.