A vacant West London Vue cinema is to be transformed into 11 padel courts after approval for the revamp was granted by councillors.
The 12-screen cinema in the West 12 Shopping Centre in Shepherd’s Bush has been empty since June with Vue having ended its lease six months early. The operator had managed the premises since 2001 though has struggled with trade in recent years.
The space is to be taken on by Rocket Padel, an operator with existing UK sites in Battersea, Ilford, Bristol and Beckton.
In planning documents filed by Iceni Planning, on behalf of applicant West Twelve Investments LTD, padel is described as a “truly inclusive sport, breathing health and vitality into local communities”.
“Padel courts are now a recognised form of recreational sports provision, found in both indoor and outdoor settings,” the report continues. “Their inclusion within leisure facilities reflects wider trends in diversifying opportunities for sport and recreation, supporting casual and organised participation.”
The proposal requests opening hours between 6am and midnight Sunday to Thursday and until 1am Friday and Saturday, including Bank Holidays.
Hammersmith and Fulham Council officers had recommended the application be approved, writing it will “introduce a new sports/leisure facility within a highly sustainable location which enhances the vitality and viability of the West 12 Shopping Centre, whilst bringing a vacant commercial unit back into usage”.
Cllr Lydia Paynter, Chair of the Planning and Development Control Committee, asked about the proposed hours and whether other W12 premises were open at those times. An officer responded to confirm some other units are operating at 6am, specifically referencing a 24-hour bingo hall and a bagel shop.
Cllr Callum Nimmo queried whether the premises, if the scheme was to be approved, could be turned into a shop or other type of business in the future.
He was told that while the legal use of the premises, known as Class E, does cover other types of premises, conditions as part of the approval mean it would have to remain an indoor sports centre.
Cllr Ross Melton, who represents the local Addison ward, said: “The Vue cinema has been underutilised for some years, outcompeted by similar cinemas in White City. So it is very welcome to see it finding such a positive use.”
Committee members unanimously approved the application.
Iceni was approached for comment.
