Part of Fulham Broadway Vue Could Be Converted into Gym
Decision to downsized due to venue 'not meeting market expectations'
The lobby of the Fulham Broadway Vue. Picture: Faceboo
August 28, 2025
The Fulham Broadway Vue may have its number of screens almost halved under plans to turn some of the space into an “indoor sport and fitness venue”.
The cinema located in the retail centre, is set to go from nine to five screens with the existing cinema reportedly too big and not meeting “market expectations”.
Vue and Fulham Broadway Retail Centre were approached for comment.
The application, filed with Hammersmith and Fulham Council on behalf of the Fulham Broadway Unit Trust, requests a change of use of part of the building at level one from cinema to a fitness venue.
The Broadway Centre has a range of retail and food and drink options and reportedly attracts 12 million visitors a year. It is also situated above the Fulham Broadway Underground Station, which is accessible via the Broadway.
According to a cover letter submitted by consultants Gerald Eve as part of the application, Vue currently occupies around 5,000 square metres in the centre, primarily at level one.
It reads, “Over time it has become apparent that Vue no longer require all of this space and need to downsize the existing cinema as it is too big and does not meet market expectations. As such, Vue’s business model now reflects a more ’boutique’ experience in line with customer demand.
“They are therefore looking to halve their current occupation, and this is an essential change in order for the cinema to remain viable. The re-gear with Vue, which was due to take place now, has been pushed back and will pick up in due course, to be concluded in advance of their lease expiry.
“Irrespective of the re-gear, Vue’s business model has changed and as such, the change proposed under this application is a sensible solution to ensure continued full occupation of the space.”
This has presented an “opportunity”, it continues, with the trust believing the space would be best used for leisure activities.
The decision to progress an application now is due to concerns that if Vue left the site there would be a “substantial void” while works are carried out on the space and new tenants found.
Vue has reportedly said that any downsizing would not lead to a cut in employees with no expected reduction in admissions.
The cover letter notes that in order for Vue to continue operating at the Broadway Centre, “they need to operate with the reconfigured downsized cinema”. The letter adds: “If this is not dealt with, Vue are likely to vacate completely on lease expiry which would have a detrimental impact on the whole scheme, but particularly on existing first floor tenants who rely on the anchor leisure tenants such as Vue to drive footfall and trade.
“The change of use proposal would avoid detrimental impacts on the shopping centre and wider town centre. It would align and achieve the aims and objectives of relevant planning policies and guidance, and it would ensure an ongoing viable operation within the space.”
Aldi recently revealed its new store by the entrance to the Broadway is to open on September 4 with British rowing star Rory Gibbs set to cut the ribbon.
Aldi Store Manager David Murray said, “We can’t wait to open the doors to the new store in Fulham. It’s set to be a special day and having Olympic hero Rory Gibbs join us will make it a morning to remember.”
Ben Lynch - Local Democracy Reporter