A “West End” type theatre coming to Greenwich town centre
Plans to create a 640-seat theatre at the former Borough Hall in Greenwich town centre are moving forward as Greenwich Council continue discussions with a company that provides “West End type shows”.
A rooftop bar is also proposed though it’s important to note the Borough Hall part of the building is separate from the Town Hall which was sold in the 1970s.
Council documents state: “‘The company’s’ proposal is intended to provide an alternative to the saturated and expensive West End market place”.
It would offer a “markedly” different output than the existing Greenwich Theatre. One aim for the authority is to increase tourist numbers. More hotels are planned nearby.
The Grade II listed Borough Hall is in poor condition with occupiers ordered to leave in 2018. Since then it has been squatted. At least £10 million was said to be required in 2010 to fix issues. The council document states: “an Expression of Interest has been received that requires no public funds”.
A plan in 2014 failed and costs by then had reached £13m to £21 million.
Consultation plans should follow in coming months.
I think a new theatre in Greenwich providing West End style shows will be great for tourist and local residents alike. It will also help to improve the night time economy in Greenwich.
We also have the Magazine Music Venue also opening by the 02 Arena in September so there will be more to do in and around Greenwich in the evenings and at the weekends.
Agreed it will appeal to many.
I have just read an interesting post by 853 that Greenwich Council are considering bidding to be a Borough of culture in 2021. If successful this will of course be good for the Borough and the Borough would hold several cultural events during 2021.
Also mentioned in the post was some councillors are advising Greenwich Council to be cautious when considering the planning application for the new West End style theatre planned by on the site of the listed old Borough Hall as this may affect the nearby Greenwich Theatre.
I think Greenwich can accommodate both theatres and do believe both would still be used regularly as Greenwich Theatre puts on some great plays and the new theatre will put on more West End styles shows. It will give tourist and local residents somewhere to visit in the evenings and weekends and will compliment other entertainment venues in the Borough including the 02 Arena, Cineworld and the Magazine Music Venue opening in September 2019.
The arts are an important part of any culture and Greenwich Council need to take this in to account when looking at the planning application for the new theatre and bidding for the Borough of Culture in 2021.
CDT? Person, place, puppet? Shouldn’t we know?