Civic Campus granted 3am licence for music and alcohol

Hammersmith and Fulham Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee has approved a premises licence for the Civic Campus Building, permitting music, film screenings, and alcohol sales until 3am every day. The licence also stipulates that outdoor spaces, Civic Avenue and Unity Square, must close to the public by 11pm.

Provisional licences for unfinished areas

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At the same meeting on 22 September, six provisional-statement applications were granted for parts of the Civic Campus that are still under construction. These applications provide a licensing framework for future use, including a rooftop restaurant. Once tenants are secured for these spaces, they will need to apply for their own premises licences.

Resident concerns over late hours

The Civic Campus scheme aims to transform the King Street site into a mixed-use development featuring homes, bars, workspaces, cultural venues, and a refurbished town hall. However, resident Una-Jane Winfield objected to the 3am licence, stating that the requested hours were "excessive" for the predominantly residential neighbourhood around King Street. She argued that the hours were more suited to a nightclub and suggested a standard 11pm closing time would be acceptable, with exceptions for New Year's Eve.

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Ms Winfield also raised concerns about potential increases in ride-hailing vehicles on King Street due to the late-night activity. She told the committee that she would be "absolutely amazed" if new residents within the 204 homes planned for the complex would tolerate music and parties until 3am. She described the situation as "intolerable" and questioned why the council would "annoy the neighbours so much."

Council's justification for extended hours

Alun Thomas, representing Thomas and Thomas Partners LLP on behalf of the council, described the Civic Campus as a significant regeneration project intended to revitalise the western end of King Street. He explained that the 3am hours were not intended for daily operation but to accommodate specific events, thereby avoiding the need for separate temporary event notices. Mr Thomas assured the committee that mitigation measures, including a dispersal plan, would be in place to manage any potential issues arising from the extended hours. He emphasised the "unique" opportunity the scheme presented and stated that "appropriate safeguards" were included.

Despite the objections, the Licensing Sub-Committee granted the premises licence for the Civic Campus Building and all six provisional statement applications.