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Briefly the place to be in New Brighton, the resort’s casino closed its doors three years ago this summer – and so far there’s no sign of a replacement.

The Grosvenor Casino and restaurant opened in May 2012 – creating 66 full and part time jobs – and was hailed as an example of the top brands the resort’s Marine Point development could attract.

Real estate consultants Mowbray Gill announced the unit had been let on a 25 year lease at a rent of £180,060 a year.

But the venue closed in July 2015 , with parent company Rank saying the venue had been losing money.

Despite persistent rumours locally that the huge unit was being turned into a budget gym, it has been empty ever since.

(Image: Google)

Other suggestions have included the former casino becoming a bingo hall and trampoline activity centre.

Aprirose, owners of Marine Point, told the ECHO talks with new businesses would continue this year.

A spokesman said: “During the past few months we’ve been talking to different businesses about the space formerly occupied by the casino.

“We aim this year to continue our talks and are feeling positive about the prospects of another new business moving into New Brighton.”

With no firm plans for the casino’s future, we asked community leaders in New Brighton what they would like to see there:

New Brighton Councillor Pat Hackett

(Image: Jason Roberts)

Cllr Hackett said he wanted to see a new use for the casino that would appeal to young people.

“Marine Point has been an undoubted success and we want to build on that. There’s a good mix there for everyone – it’s a nice family place.

“The casino is the biggest unit that is vacant unfortunately and it sticks out like a sore thumb.

“It would be nice to see something for sports there or something for young people to add to the mix that’s already there.”

Carl Leckie of Momentary Art Project (MAP)

Mr Leckie’s group organises art projects in New Brighton, including exhibitions in vacant units in Marine Point.

He said he had hoped to use the former ground floor reception area of the casino, but was told holes in the floor would make it unsafe.

He wants to see the casino used for more community art.

He said: “The unit is in a prime spot and I think it should be used for community art projects. It would go very well in there.

“I wanted to use the windows on the ground floor for a display of arts and crafts.”

Dave Peddie of the New Brighteners

(Image: Google)

The New Brighteners are a community group committed to keeping New Brighton’s environment clean and litter free.

Mr Peddie suggested the unit should be used as a music and arts venue to compliment the nearby Floral Pavilion Theatre.

He said: “There’s a good music community in New Brighton so it could have a cafe up there with space for small concerts and arts, and a space where local artists could display their work and sell it.

“At the moment it’s a dead space, but people have a lot of ideas for it.”

Cllr Tony Jones, New Brighton councillor and chair of New Brighton Coastal Community Team

Cllr Jones suggested the unit could be used for activities for young people in the resort, bridging the gap between the Bubbles World of Play market and teenagers.

He said: “I think it’s an area where perhaps the owners could look at doing something for young people, maybe some youth provision or activity.

“It’s a good sized unit so there’s no reason why it could be divided for multi-use.”

What would you like to see in the casino unit? A gym, a bingo hall, trampoline park – or something else entirely?

Let us know in the comments or email lorna.hughes@trinitymirror.com