A much-loved casino along Southend seafront has submitted plans to carry out repair work to replace crumbling concrete found in the roof.

Genting Casino, in Western Esplanade, shut its doors for a number of weeks back in November, following the discovery of Raac.

The business remained fully closed for weeks, before reopening the gaming area restaurant, and entrance bar ahead of Christmas.

Genting has since been operating with scaffolding up at the site to protect and support the roof.

More than nine months on, a planning application has now been submitted to replace the Raac found in the roof.

If approved, works are expected to take place next year, but the business will remain open.

A spokesman said: “Genting Casino Westcliff has recently submitted a planning application for the next stage of remedial work required to replace the Raac found in the roof last year.

“We anticipate these improvements taking place during 2025, but do not expect any closures while they are undertaken.

“We thank our customers for their continued understanding and support and will keep everyone informed as our detailed planning is finalised.”

The casino, which was built in the 1970s, has been serving the city of Southend for decades.

Earlier this year, Genting revealed the costs involved in fixing crumbling concrete in its building “will be significant”.

They are still yet to reveal an exact figure.

Matt Dent, Labour councillor responsible for business, culture, and tourism, welcomed the positive update.

He said: “It is good news.

“I hope the application will get through swiftly, so works can get under way.

“I was at Genting recently for a meeting, and it has got scaffolding all around the place to keep it safe.

“So it will be good to dispense of that, and make the building completely safe.”

Raac is a lightweight, “bubbly” form of concrete commonly used in construction between the 1950s and mid-1990s. Last year, major concerns were raised around the safety of the material.