Genting UK has unveiled plans to reintroduce the London Trocadero as a major leisure destination, converting a portion of the historic site into a casino and entertainment complex. As stated on the company’s website, the project, targeting an October 2026 opening, will repurpose about 37,000 square feet of currently unused space within the Grade II-listed landmark on Coventry Street.
The redevelopment, agreed with building owner Criterion Capital, will require planning approval, listed building consent, and appropriate licensing before it can proceed. Genting described the initiative as part of a broader mission to “create a high-quality venue, bringing a vacant space back into use, attracting domestic and overseas tourists, supporting the local economy, creating jobs and contributing to the wider regeneration of the iconic Trocadero.”
A Landmark with a Rich Entertainment Past
The Trocadero is no stranger to reinvention. First opened in 1896 as a restaurant, it has since taken on many guises, including a cinema, shopping arcade, and amusement centre. During the 1990s, it became known for SegaWorld, a sprawling indoor theme park that drew large crowds. The site has also hosted Funland, Cineworld cinema, and other entertainment facilities.
This long-standing association with leisure and culture is a central theme of Genting’s proposal. The company has emphasized that its redevelopment will preserve the building’s architectural heritage while adapting its interiors to contemporary use. Upgraded shopfronts and more cohesive signage are also part of the vision, intended to enhance Coventry Street’s appeal, which today is characterized by souvenir stores and lower-grade retail outlets.
At the heart of the project will be a new casino, designed to occupy sections of the ground and first floors as well as parts of the basement. The gaming floor could extend up to 16,000 square feet, supported by staff facilities and back-of-house operations below ground.
Genting plans to mirror the scale and operation of other Leicester Square venues such as The Hippodrome, Empire Casino, and Horizons Casinos. With a 24-hour licence proposed, the new venue is expected to help shape what has been described as a “London Strip” of casinos, drawing visitors around the clock.
Complementing the casino will be a range of restaurants and bar facilities. A street-facing restaurant is planned for the ground level, while a more formal dining space will be added on the first floor. These eateries will be designed to operate independently or in connection with the casino. Additional food and beverage offerings are expected in the basement, serving casino patrons directly.
Design, Safety, and Economic Impact
Rather than a full-scale rebuild, Genting’s approach will focus on sustainable retrofit, ensuring the protection of listed features while modernizing interiors. Plans include collaborative public realm improvements with Criterion Capital, aimed at revitalizing the surrounding streetscape.
Security and community integration form another key pillar of the project. The proposal outlines 24/7 CCTV coverage, door staff, and a detailed casino management plan. The operator has stated that the target audience will be 25 and older, with efforts made to welcome diverse and inclusive patronage.
Economically, the development is positioned as a multi-million-pound investment into London’s West End. Up to 350 jobs are expected to be created, spanning hospitality and gaming roles, with training opportunities for younger workers highlighted as part of Genting’s vision.
The Trocadero addition will strengthen Genting’s existing London presence. The operator currently runs more than 30 venues across the UK, including casinos in Chinatown, Kensington, and Mayfair. Its experience in managing both upscale and mainstream locations positions it well to reestablish the Trocadero as a vibrant part of the West End’s entertainment scene.
As plans move forward, Genting has committed to ongoing community consultation, inviting feedback on the proposals ahead of the formal planning application to Westminster City Council. For the company, the revival of the Trocadero is both a commercial venture and an opportunity to restore an iconic London landmark to its long-standing role as a centre of leisure and culture.
