The Kursaal opened around 1878 and instantly became a major attraction in Southend. The building completed in 1901 and had a great silver dome over the entrance. The Kursaal was the World's first ever theme park, pre-dating Coney Island in America. The tower, with its glazed interior, and the frontage are still well detailed in red brick and stone and form part of the Kursaal conservation area. Whilst formerly a ballroom and amusement complex, it is now home to Southend's 20-lane ten-pin bowling alley and the Rendezvous Casino.