Proposals to transform a shuttered Santander bank in North London into a new adult gaming centre have ignited a fierce backlash from the local community, with more than 200 residents formally objecting to the scheme.
Community Outcry Over "Bet Against Wellbeing"
The application, submitted by developer Sunni-Ed Ltd, seeks permission to convert the basement and ground floor of the empty building on Kilburn High Road in the borough of Brent. The developer argues the change would enhance the local centre and support the night-time economy.
However, the plan has been met with outrage. One resident powerfully objected, stating the proposal represents "a bet placed against the wellbeing of the community." Another branded the planned venue a "den that preys on the poorest in society," while many called for retail shops or cafes to instead help keep the high street vibrant.
Objectors highlighted the area's dense population of families, young people, and older residents struggling with the cost of living, arguing an adult gaming facility would exploit vulnerability. They also noted that similar existing premises "contribute nothing to the social atmosphere and community cohesion."
A Borough Already Saturated with Gambling
The controversy sits within a wider, alarming context for Brent. The borough already hosts 81 licensed gambling premises, one of the highest concentrations in London. Council figures estimate the annual cost of gambling-related harm in Brent exceeds £14 million.
This application is part of a troubling pattern. Santander announced the permanent closure of its Kilburn High Road branch in June 2025, adding to a stream of bank closures across Brent. Many of these vacant sites have subsequently attracted bids to become adult gaming centres (AGCs) or bingo halls.
Brent Council has been campaigning for stronger national powers to curb the spread of such venues. It recently sponsored a study by the cross-party think tank The Social Market Foundation, which found a 7% national increase in AGCs between 2022 and 2024. Crucially, the report revealed that 33% of AGCs are located in the poorest 10% of neighbourhoods.
Council Leaders Join the Fight
Deputy Leader of Brent Council, Councillor Milli Patel, has strongly condemned the latest application, labelling it "unwelcome." She stated, "Losing another bank is disappointing enough, but replacing it with a slots shop is the exact opposite of what residents want for Kilburn."
She questioned why the borough should accept an 82nd gambling venue, arguing it would "strip away pride from Kilburn High Road and take far more from the community than it gives back." Cllr Patel urged residents to back the council's campaign for national reform to rein in the proliferation of these businesses.
The council's Planning Committee is expected to make a final decision on the application later this year. Residents can still submit comments on the plans. The developer, Sunni-Ed Ltd, did not respond to requests for comment.
