Southend-on-Sea's Genting Casino Westcliff has revamp, scheduled to be completed next year

Genting Casino

A seafront casino in Southend-on-Sea, Genting Casino Westcliff, is set to enjoy a revamp that has been described as a “stunning refurbishment” by its current manager.

The go-ahead has been given to plans to replace the roof of the Genting Casino in Westcliff, before embarking on an ambitious project to restore the interior of the showpiece venue. 

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Southend Council has approved Genting’s proposal, which will start with the crumbling concrete roof being replaced, with work set to begin later this month. 

The second stage will then see the interior refurbished, making the most of beachfront views of the estuary. 

Genting’s Westcliff casino will remain open during the development, which is expected to take a year to complete. 

The casino had briefly closed in November 2023 when RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) was discovered in the roof, with a protective ceiling and scaffolding put in place.

Now, live events and functions will continue to be held at the casino throughout 2025 with the refurbishment process being conducted in different phases, to make this possible. 

In the first phase, the main entrance will be closed and guests will be directed to the secondary bar entrance instead, while the slots area will be moved deeper inside the casino. 

The venue’s Waterfront Restaurant will operate with a reduced capacity in phase one, before dining is temporarily relocated to Genting’s basement venue Prima, later in the year. 

Throughout the development, construction work will take place during weekday working hours, to ensure that disruption is minimised during the casino’s busy times of evenings and weekends. 

The site is owned by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council and had a variety of different uses before becoming a casino in the 1970s. In the early 20th century it was a seafront bathing pool, while it has also been used as a leisure centre and a dolphin aquarium too. 

Now its future seems secure as a gaming venue, as Stuart Green, the general manager of Genting Casino Westcliff has explained: “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.”