Plans to host a 1,200-seat theatre for three years in a London park face fierce opposition

A London council has approved the first stage of plans which could bring West End productions to a Grade II listed historic park – despite fierce local opposition.

The proposal is for a 1,200-seat theatre in a temporary structure in Walpole Park, Ealing, for three years. At the end of the lease period, the theatre would be removed and that area restored to public parkland.

This does not yet mean that a theatre will definitely open in Walpole Park. Cabinet has approved the proposals in principle ahead of the standard planning process, which will still take place, allowing residents to comment.

The theatre will be funded and managed by Troubadour Theatres Limited. The company also runs theatres in Canary Wharf and Wembley Park.

Walpole Park temporary theatre

Ealing Council / LDRS

Troubadour works with production companies from around the world to host West End and Broadway shows such as Hunger Games, Starlight Express and War Horse.

Troubadour would pay Ealing Council a fixed fee for a period of three years – although the details of the fee have been restricted from public view due to ‘commercial and financial sensitivities’. Speaking at Cabinet on Wednesday, September 9, Cllr Gary Malcolm, Leader of the Opposition, asked whether the council should consider dropping the plans given the amount of pushback from residents that suggested the park should be “left alone”.

In response, Cllr Lauren Wall, Cabinet Member for Thriving Communities, did not directly answer this part of his question.

Over 1,900 residents have signed two separate petitions opposing the development at the time of writing.

An e-petition on Ealing Council’s website which has over 1,100 signatures cites potential “severe negative impacts on the local community, infrastructure, and the environment” as reasons the proposals should be rejected. It states: “Late-night performances, alcohol consumption, litter, crowd dispersal, servicing vehicles, and bright external signage and noise from performances and crowds will disrupt the peace and well-being of neighbouring residential areas…

“The park is used by families, children using the play facilities, sport and fitness groups, dog-walkers and more. Entertaining 1,200 people each day in the park would not only affect its current users, it would also present potential safety risks (e.g. keeping children safe).”

One resident, commenting on a separate Change.org petition with around 800 signatures described the proposal as a “disgusting money grab by a council that has already ruined Lammas park at huge cost to ratepayers”.

Another commented: “Money should be spent supporting the current Questors theatre and preserving green spaces…We have excellent summer festivals but do not need a longer term semi-permanent structure in the park.”

Ealing Wildlife Group has also raised concerns about the process itself. In a statement, the group said: “It is particularly concerning that a proposal with potentially significant consequences for one of Ealing’s central green spaces has progressed this far without meaningful engagement with the borough’s environmental and community groups through the existing mechanisms.

“It brings into question the council’s pledges to be open, honest and transparent, as well as their claim to value the time and energy of community groups and volunteers who help to maintain and enhance our precious green spaces for all to enjoy.”

The proposal includes plans for a box office, foyer and bar alongside the fully-heated and air-conditioned theatre itself. The council says that the venue will help “test demand for a permanent theatre elsewhere in the borough.”

Work is expected to begin on site in the new year, and the theatre could open by next Easter.

Supporting the proposal, Cllr Louise Brett, Deputy Leader of the Council, said she frequently hears from residents that Ealing’s high streets are “dying”. She added: “For me, this is a consultation and it is opening up an interesting consultation about a possible amazing thing that could rejuvenate the centre of Ealing Broadway.”

Before any final decision is made, the council will carry out a formal consultation on the proposed lease of part of Walpole Park. Residents and businesses will also be able to comment on the planning application once it reaches the planning stage.

Troubadour Theatres and the council will be holding engagement events in the autumn for residents to find out more about the proposals. All members of the Cabinet voted in favour of the proposals.