Harefield Gazette

Green light for Fulham’s top-tier plan

FOOTBALL CLUB CELEBRATES PROMOTION AND GETS APPROVAL FOR ROOFTOP BAR

- By HANNAH NEARY

FULHAM’S plans for a new rooftop bar have been approved as the club is promoted to the Premier League again.

A private members club, a swanky restaurant and space for weddings on top of the new Riverside stand have been given the go-ahead.

Fulham will be returning to the Premier League after a 3-0 win over Preston last week.

The new Riverside set-up will offer sweeping views of the Thames as the club hopes to attract a wide range of fans, locals and families to the site.

Hammersmit­h and Fulham Council has come to an agreement with the club on how the new stand will be used on non-matchdays.

Plans include a function room in the basement, bar, café and gym on the ground floor, a plush restaurant on the first floor and space for weddings, conference­s and events on the second floor.

A mechanical roof and retractabl­e fabric screens will also be added for protection from bad weather. There will also be a health club stretching from the first to fifth floors and a members club on the third, fourth and fifth floors.

A planning report said: “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.”

Fulham was previously given planning permission to build a hotel, bar and lounge above the new stand, but the project was rehashed after the coronaviru­s pandemic revealed using the upper floors for events only would not be a stable moneymaker.

The club is also planning a revamp of its home team dressing and shower rooms following its promotion. The changing rooms at the Craven Cottage Pavillion are outdated and can only house 18 players – but the club needs space for at least 20 to comply with Premier League regulation­s.

Hammersmit­h and Fulham Council is expected to make a decision on the refurb around June.

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 ?? STUART FORBES ASSOCIATES/FULHAM FOOTBALL CLUB ?? Artist’s impression­s of an outdoor bar on the Putney end of the stand
STUART FORBES ASSOCIATES/FULHAM FOOTBALL CLUB Artist’s impression­s of an outdoor bar on the Putney end of the stand

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