Genting has been granted planning permission to replace the roof of its Westcliff casino in the first phase of a major restoration project for the showpiece venue.
The casino’s roof will be replaced, and the owners are also planning to refurbish the interior in the second stage of the project. This will take full advantage of the unique views of the estuary at the popular and historic seafront venue.
The project is set to begin this month (January 2025) and is expected to take at least a year. The work will be carried out in phases to ensure the casino remains open throughout the refurbishment program.
Genting is replacing RAAC found in the roof, which led to a brief closure in November 2023. A precautionary protective ceiling and scaffolding were put in place at that time.
The casino will continue to host its popular live events during the first half of 2025, even as refurbishment progresses. Charity events and functions will also go ahead as planned. Additionally, the popular Waterfront Restaurant will remain open with reduced capacity during phase one, before dining is relocated to Prima, the casino’s basement venue.
Key Dates and Changes:
- January 22-23: Reconfiguration work is scheduled.
- During phase one, the main entrance will be closed; guests will use the secondary entrance leading into the bar area.
- The slots area will be relocated further inside the casino.
Minimising Disruption:
Building work will be conducted during weekday working hours to reduce evening and weekend disruptions when the casino is busiest. Parking capacity will be reduced during the day but will be managed effectively, along with any temporary footpath closures.
Historical Significance:
The Westcliff casino site, owned by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, has a rich history. Originally opened as a seafront pool in the early 20th century, it has also been used as a dolphin aquarium and leisure centre before being converted into a casino in the 1970s.
Statement from Genting Casino Westcliff:
Stuart Green, General Manager of Genting Casino Westcliff, said:
“This is a very exciting project, which will transform one of Southend’s most recognisable landmarks. We are combining the necessary roof repair work with a stunning refurbishment that we are confident our guests will love.
There will inevitably be some disruption during the building work, but we have a very loyal clientele, and we decided to keep the casino open so they can continue to enjoy the unique hospitality and gaming experience we offer at Westcliff. Our priority will be to ensure our guests’ safety throughout the project and to minimise any inconvenience.
We look forward to delivering an amazing outcome that will show off this historic venue to its full potential, making it a go-to destination for Southend.”