Under the Threesixty Architecture-designed plans, Alea Casino, which currently has space over two levels, would consolidate all gaming facilities on to one floor.

The existing atrium void from the ground to second floor would be infilled to provide additional floor space, while the former casino space on the ground floor will become a new leisure unit with the creation of a new gallery-type mezzanine level.

A new dedicated entrance tower would provide direct access up to the casino on the first floor.

A design statement submitted with the application explained: “The proposal creates a unique and exclusive arrival experience to the reconfigured casino at first floor, generating a new beacon for the site by tying in with the existing branding strategy, and breaking the large mass of the existing building.”

It added: “The Quay’s Alea Building facade is expansive and dull. The new access tower has to stand out from this facade in a clean simple way.

“The creation of this feature entrance for the casino gives Alea their own external expression and branding opportunity, adding an element of contemporary architecture and enlivening an otherwise unattractive and dated elevation.

“The tower design started as a problem solving exercise with the required technical diligence. But it needed to develop into elegant architectural solution.

“The lightweight and translucent stair tower reads as a glowing lantern. Its height has been increased to create a beacon visible from across the city.”