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Genting UK has unveiled plans to transform the Grade II-listed London Trocadero into a vibrant casino and entertainment hub, aiming to revitalise the historic landmark with a multi-million-pound regeneration effort set to open in October 2026.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Genting UK has announced plans to breathe new life into the historic London Trocadero by transforming approximately 37,000 square feet of currently vacant space within the Grade II-listed building on Coventry Street into a casino and entertainment complex. Targeting an opening in October 2026, this ambitious redevelopment aims not only to restore the iconic landmark but also to establish a vibrant leisure destination in the heart of London\u2019s West End. <\/p>\n
The Trocadero, first opened in 1896 as a restaurant by J. Lyons & Co., quickly became a symbol of high-quality catering and a favoured venue for London\u2019s elite, hosting annual shareholder meetings and attracting discerning clientele from across Britain and abroad. While the restaurant closed its doors in 1965, the site has since seen numerous incarnations including a cinema, shopping arcade, and amusement centre. The 1990s era is particularly notable for SegaWorld, a large indoor theme park and arcade that brought significant footfall to the venue, followed by family-oriented attractions like Funland and Cineworld cinemas. Despite these various phases, much of the Trocadero has remained underutilised in recent years.<\/p>\n
In its current proposal, Genting plans a sensitive and sustainable retrofit that honours the building\u2019s architectural heritage while adapting interiors for modern use. The company emphasizes that the project, delivered in partnership with Criterion Capital, will support the local economy by creating up to 350 new jobs across hospitality and gaming sectors, including training opportunities particularly aimed at younger adults. The redevelopment is framed as a multi-million-pound investment with the potential to contribute meaningfully to the wider regeneration of Coventry Street, an area that, according to Genting, currently suffers from a prevalence of lower-grade retail outlets and souvenir shops.<\/p>\n
Central to the redevelopment will be a new casino covering sections of the ground and first floors as well as parts of the basement, with a gaming floor potentially extending to 16,000 square feet. The venue will operate with a proposed 24-hour licence, aligning the Trocadero with other well-established Leicester Square casinos like The Hippodrome and Empire Casino. Genting refers to this initiative as part of the creation of a \u201cLondon Strip,\u201d aiming to boost round-the-clock tourism and nightlife appeal.<\/p>\n
Complementing the gaming facilities will be an array of dining options, including a street-facing restaurant on the ground floor and a more formal dining venue upstairs. Additional food and beverage services will be directly available to casino customers in the basement area, with a design focus on creating both independent operations and casino-linked experiences. <\/p>\n
Security and community integration are highlighted as priority aspects of the scheme, with plans for 24\/7 CCTV coverage, dedicated door staff, and a comprehensive casino management plan to ensure a safe and inclusive environment. The target demographic is adults aged 25 and older, and Genting emphasises efforts to cultivate a diverse patronage.<\/p>\n
This project builds on Genting\u2019s substantial presence in the UK casino market, where it operates over 30 venues including locations in central London\u2019s Chinatown, Kensington, and Mayfair. The company\u2019s experience managing venues ranging from upscale to mainstream positions it well to reestablish the Trocadero as a key player in London\u2019s leisure scene.<\/p>\n
Looking ahead, Genting has committed to ongoing community consultation as part of the planning process, inviting public feedback before submitting a formal application to Westminster City Council. While the redevelopment requires listed building consents and appropriate licensing approvals, Genting\u2019s vision positions the Trocadero not merely as a commercial venture but as a cultural revival\u2014restoring a site with more than a century of entertainment history to the frontline of London\u2019s dynamic West End.<\/p>\n