Former pub and cinema sees Play Centre plan submitted to Lewisham Council
A former pub in Forest Hill is set to be come a Play Centre with an application submitted to Lewisham Council.
The Capitol was in use as a Wetherspoon pub until 2023 when the company closed a number of pubs across the country including another in Eltham.
The building itself is a 1929 art deco cinema which now looks set to become a Play Centre. This isn’t a surprise given it’s been talked of for some time but now a full application has been submitted and visible on Lewisham Council’s website.
Weighing in at 148 documents it’s a hefty tome showing internal plans and changes across the interior removing elements of the former pub.
The building is Grade II listed which limits possible uses and designed by celebrated cinema architect John Stanley Coombe Beard. Throughout his career he designed around 25 cinemas mostly in and around London including the Prince of Wales Cinema in Lewisham.
That’s now demolished and formerly resided at the southern end of Lewisham High Street next to what is another Wetherspoons – which remains open. An office block sits on site of the former cinema which is set for demolition as part of the shopping centre redevelopment.
Being a listed cinema does substantially reduce options for re-use once Wetherspoons closed. Hopes of a cinema reopening on site as mooted a few years back – or even another pub or music venue on site – have not happened.
Changes
The application details a number of internal changes including:
- Removal of all non-original alterations, including wall panelling, toilets, kitchen, bar, and storerooms.
- Removal and relocation of original cinema seating to another Beard designed cinema or stored securely for future conservation.
- Installation of a soft play structure and supporting amenities.
- Provision of party rooms, toilets, reception and servery kiosks, and stroller parking.
- Creation of an ancillary two-bedroom manager’s apartment.
- Restoration of significant historic features.
- External storage for surplus cinema furnishings.
A large number of drawings and documents can be viewed by clicking here.
The applicant is behind other play centres including Topsy Turvy World in Brent Cross and Gambado in Chelsea.
