Fulham FC Receives Approval to Host Events in New Riverside Stand.

Roger Hampel

Image: Fulham FC

According to Coliseum, Fulham FC has received official approval to host major events in its newly completed Riverside Stand at Craven Cottage, also known as Fulham Pier. The decision from the local council allows the Premier League club to stage music and performance events for audiences exceeding 500 people.

Licensing and Permissions Fulham FC Riverside Stand

As reported by Coliseum, the council approved Fulham’s request to modify four existing premises licences that cover the new Riverside Stand, which spans from the ground to the fifth floor. The amendments permit music, plays, and other performances until 11 p.m. seven days a week, extending event capacity without changing curfew times.

Craven Cottage currently holds 11 active premises licences, covering various operations including alcohol sales and opening hours. The Riverside Stand, which fully opened toward the end of the 2024/25 season, is part of Fulham’s broader stadium redevelopment project designed by Populous.

Objections and Conditions

During the consultation process, 65 objections and three letters of support were submitted. Concerns from residents centered on potential increases in noise and late-night activity.

Coliseum notes that no formal objections were raised by public authorities such as London’s Metropolitan Police. Fulham’s legal representative, Craig Baylis of Baylis Associates UK, emphasized that music events had already been permitted under existing exemptions — provided audiences did not exceed 500 people and events ended before 11 p.m.

Baylis clarified that the club’s intention is not to host large-scale concerts frequently but to allow flexibility for occasional public or community events.

The council approved three of the four licence requests under specific conditions, including:

• A cap of 24 large events annually.

• Mandatory risk assessments for each event.

• Installation of a noise-limiting device at the venue.

• Regular meetings between Fulham FC and local residents, with minutes recorded by the Designated Premises Supervisor.

• The club must display a dedicated contact number for local communication.

  
  

Club Statement and Future Use

Following the approval, a Fulham FC spokesperson told Coliseum that the club “will continue to operate within planning and licensing obligations” and emphasized its ongoing commitment to being a “good neighbour.”

Fulham highlighted that the Riverside development, which includes a new hotel at Fulham Pier, aims to benefit the community and the local economy. The club stated that it will continue to manage noise and event operations responsibly.

Commercial and Venue Context

The approval represents a milestone in Fulham’s broader stadium development strategy. The Riverside Stand, part of the 30,000-capacity Craven Cottage, was designed to serve as a mixed-use venue that blends football, hospitality, and leisure.

As noted by Coliseum, the new event permissions position Fulham FC to expand its commercial use of the site, creating potential for non-matchday revenue through concerts, private events, and corporate functions — aligning with a growing trend among Premier League clubs to diversify stadium income streams.