Fulham FC Wants Private Members Club in Riverside Stand


Seeking amendment to planning permission for 'impeccably stylish' space


Craven Cottage Fulham FC new members club artist's impression. Picture: Stuart Forbes Associates/Fulham Football Club

Fulham FC has unveiled plans for a private members club on top of its new Riverside stand.

The club wants to build an exclusive new space on the upper floors of the stand instead of an event space, which had previously been given the go-ahead.

New images show designs for a plush restaurant, bar and roof terraces with sweeping views across the River Thames.

The club was previously given planning permission to build a hotel, bar and lounge on the upper floors of the new stand. It now wants to alter the designs to replace the lounge with space for members and hospitality ticket holders. The space also includes meeting rooms for working on non-match days and a creche.

A planning report says, “The new members club at Fulham Football Club will incorporate a range of dining, lounge, bar and work spaces set over the top three floors of the new Riverside Stand, offering an unrivalled experience.

“The overall design brief for the club has been to create an impeccably stylish space that is comfortable and relaxing.

“The interior design is a traditional one, reflecting traditional features of family homes, rather than contemporary football stadia. All spaces have been designed to maintain wide views over the river.”

The club has also updated its designs for rooftop pergolas on the fifth floor of both ends of the stand.

A new mechanical roof will be added that can be adjusted to cover the seating and bar areas or open them up to the sky.

Retractable fabric screens will also be installed to protect the terraces from bad weather.

Craven Cottage Fulham FC new members club artist's impression. Picture: Stuart Forbes Associates/Fulham Football ClubCraven Cottage Fulham FC new members club artist's impression. Picture: Stuart Forbes Associates/Fulham Football Club

The club hopes to use the third floor for corporate events and hospitality for sponsors and partners and seats for the public on match days. A lounge and bar space on the fourth and fifth floors would be open to hospitality guests who have bought tickets.

Fulham FC has worked on plans for the members club with Parisian interior designers Dion et Arles, who also designed the inside of luxury French restaurant Louie in Covent Garden.

A letter written by planning consultants Lichfields on the club’s behalf says the use of the upper floors has been reconsidered in light of the coronavirus pandemic, which has shown that using the space mostly for events is no longer a stable source of income.

It also says the club hopes to attract a wide range of club members like local people and workers, Fulham FC fans and families.

It adds, “The club needs more certainty that the space will be used on a consistent basis to deliver a commercial return; the combination of match day and non-match day income is critical to ensuring the future financial independence of the football club at a time when there remains considerable economic uncertainty.

“This is important so that it can continue to reinvest in the stadium facilities and football team, to remain competitive on and off the football pitch; the key reason for redeveloping the Riverside Stand in the first place.”

Hammersmith and Fulham Council will decide whether to approve the plans in due course.

 

Hannah Neary - Local Democracy Reporter

February 14, 2022