A LONG-AWAITED, multi-million pound, 24-hour casino should finally open on Southend seafront by next summer.

Grosvenor Casinos says its £6.5million venue will open in the Park Inn Palace Hotel, Southend, in the first half of next year.

The 27,000sq foot casino, which will span two floors of the landmark building, will create more than 100 jobs.

A Mecca Bingo has now been added to the plans, which already include a bar, restaurant, 100-seat poker room and VIP gaming room.

John Lamb, deputy leader of Southend Council, said: “The major investment made by the hotel’s owners over the last decade has completely transformed the Park Inn Palace Hotel.

“Now further investment by Grosvenor Casinos will see a vibrant new addition to this historic building, along with the valuable jobs it brings.”