Plans are afoot to transform the iconic Hippodrome in London into a premium casino.

Architects have drawn up plans to convert the 106 year old, Grade II-listed building at the heart of Leicester Square into a casino, while having the original features of its theatre restored.

However, given the Hippodrome's limited stage area, it will not be restored to its original role as a fully-operating theatre.

Instead, casino operators United Gaming hope to turn the site into an "entertainment destination", in an £8 million proposal submitted to Westminster City Council.

Built in 1900 as a circus theatre, it also played host to a number of leading stars dating back to as early as 1931, where Charlie Chaplin introduced his film City Lights, to modern day stars such as Tina Turner.

However, the club was taken over by Peter Stringfellow more than 30 years ago and has been used as a nightclub ever since.

Ian Whitfield, of architects Scott Brownrigg, told website The Stage: "Our proposal is to strip away everything put in since the late fifties and bring it back to its former splendour.

"It will be a private members' club, centred around a sophisticated gaming floor, with live shows, a good quality restaurant, a piano bar and a hospitality suite."