A historic former landmark cinema in London has opened its doors as an indoor play centre for families following a transformation worth more than £1m.
The grade II-listed building, which first opened on London Road in 1929 and most recently operated as a J D Wetherspoon pub has opened as Gambado Forest Hill in October.
Run by children’s leisure operator Happiness Corp, the venue features a large soft-play structure, ball pits, climbing frames and party rooms.
Happiness Corp also plans to work with local schools and community groups, creating opportunities for children to use the centre as part of organised activities.
The redevelopment was supported by a £1.3 million loan from Lloyds to the Happiness Corp group. It builds on an existing relationship, with the bank already supporting the group’s other trading businesses.
Planning permission for the redevelopment was granted in early 2026, with preliminary works beginning in May. The funding from Lloyds helped the business complete the refurbishment and fit-out.
Gambado Forest Hill will be the fifth venue in the Happiness Corp portfolio, joining Gambado Chelsea, Topsy Turvy World and Game Over London in Brent Cross, and Clowntown at the Coppetts Centre in North London. Director Jonathan Laznik, who worked in property investment before moving into children’s leisure, plans to grow the portfolio further.
The new venue represents the group’s latest stage of growth and follows the success of its three established children’s leisure businesses across London.
Jonathan Laznik, director of Happiness Corp, said: “The Capitol is a fantastic building with a great deal of history, and we’re excited to give it a new purpose for families in Forest Hill and the surrounding area.
“Our existing play centres have shown us how valuable these venues can be for local communities. The support from Lloyds has allowed us to take on a much larger and more ambitious redevelopment, creating an exciting space where children can play and families can spend time together.
“We’re delighted to have opened the doors and look forward to welcoming families from across the local area as we continue to grow the business.”
Lee Armstrong, Relationship Manager at Lloyds, said: “Jonathan has built a successful portfolio of children’s play centres and has a strong track record in the sector.
“This redevelopment will bring an important local landmark back into productive use and create a new destination for families in Forest Hill. We’re proud to support Happiness Corp’s ambitions and help the group take the next step in its growth.”
