The iconic Trocadero in London’s West End, built in 1878, is set to undergo a £40m ($53m) revamp into a “world class” casino.
The upcoming transformation of the former SegaWorld theme park came about after Westminster City councilors last week voted unanimously to give the Malaysia-headquartered Genting Group permission to proceed.
According to MyLondon on Monday, Genting Casinos applied to transform the Trocadero into a two-story gambling venue with a maximum capacity of 1,250 people.
Councilors approved Genting’s plan to renovate the building’s basement and first floor; the property has been largely empty since SegaWorld’s successor Funland called it quits in 2011.
aims to start work with a view to opening the casino in October 2026
The casino would also replace the Trocadero’s former Opium Nightclub, which closed in 2019 after one person was shot and another stabbed at a promoted event hosted at the Trocadero. Genting stated it aims to start work with a view to opening the casino in October 2026.
The go-ahead came after Westminster officials sided with the gambling firm in overruling an objection from the Soho Council community group, claiming the new casino business will be “alcohol-led.”
Councilors rebuffed Soho, saying that casinos by nature don’t attract “large, high spirited” groups, and operate under strict controls. Genting, meanwhile, estimates the refurb will create up to 350 new jobs.
