An application has been submitted to Brent Council to change the use of the basement and ground floors at 131-135 Kilburn High Road from a vacant bank to an adult gaming centre (AGC).
The scheme also includes the installation of cycle storage in the rear courtyard.
Located at the corner of Kilburn High Road and Victoria Road, the four-storey building currently has residential accommodation on its upper floors, accessed separately from Victoria Road.
The proposed AGC would occupy only the ground and basement levels.
The applicant argues that the new use would help “to add to the viability and vitality of Kilburn High Road shopping centre it is proposed to trade seven days a week.”
The plans state the gaming centre would provide a “more active frontage” than the former bank, which was open for 5.5 days a week.
The building was previously occupied by Santander, which closed the branch on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, citing reduced usage as customers increasingly bank online or at nearby branches and other local banking services.
There is already a similar venue operating 24 hours a day across the road in the London Borough of Camden.
However, the applicant maintains that the new gaming centre would support the town centre’s night-time economy.
Brent Council’s planning officers will consider the application in line with local and London-wide planning policies.
This includes assessing whether the proposal fits with policies intended to preserve retail and other appropriate uses within town centres.
The area is described in Brent’s Local Plan as a “bustling night-time destination,” and the site is rated as having the highest level of public transport accessibility.
The plans propose level, disabled access and secure cycle storage.
No changes are proposed to the building’s external appearance and the applicant claims it would have “no adverse effect” on the setting of any Conservation Area.
The applicant is willing to accept a planning condition requiring noise attenuation measures between the ground floor and residential units above.
A pre-commencement condition is proposed to ensure these works are carried out before opening.
Delivery access would be via Victoria Road with space provided for a transit-sized van.
