Greenwich Peninsula to Welcome London’s Largest Theatre

Plans to construct London’s largest theatre have received approval from the Greenwich Council. At a meeting of the Planning Board on January 20, 2024, council members endorsed the proposal for a new venue on the Greenwich Peninsula, aiming to create a cultural hub in the area.

The proposed theatre, to be named the Troubadour Greenwich Peninsula Theatre, will have a capacity of 3,000 seats, divided into two auditoriums of 1,500 seats each. It will be strategically located near the cable car station, enhancing accessibility for audiences. This new theatre will surpass the current capacity record held by the London Coliseum, which accommodates 2,359 guests.

The initiative is spearheaded by Troubadour Theatres, operators of notable venues in Wembley Park and Canary Wharf. The latter recently launched its first-ever adaptation of the popular series, The Hunger Games. The co-founders and CEOs of Troubadour, Oliver Royds and Tristan Baker, expressed their excitement about the project, highlighting its significance for London’s cultural landscape.

“Securing planning permission for the new Troubadour Greenwich Peninsula Theatre marks a major milestone for us,” Royds stated. “We are proud to be investing in the future of theatre—creating versatile, ambitious spaces designed to host landmark productions and deliver unforgettable experiences for audiences for years to come.”

Temporary Approval and Community Engagement

While the approval is a significant step forward, it is important to note that the planning permission is granted for a temporary period of 10 years. Following this timeframe, the land is earmarked for residential development in accordance with the Greenwich Peninsula Masterplan.

Support for the theatre’s development came from local residents, including Sylvia Williams, who represented the Greenwich Millennium Village Residents Association. She described the new venue as a “welcome addition” to the area’s cultural life and advocated for its use by local schools. Williams emphasized the importance of community access and responsible traffic planning in making the theatre a valuable asset.

In response to inquiries about community involvement, Troubadour’s Chief Operating Officer Rowley Gregg highlighted the company’s commitment to supporting Greenwich residents. Through the Troubadour Trust, the theatre will allocate £0.50 from each ticket sold to fund workshops and ticket schemes for local schools and charities. Gregg also mentioned that construction is expected to take approximately nine months, with work likely commencing in June.

Mixed Reactions from Council Members

The proposal has garnered a mix of reactions from council members. Cllr David Gardner described the plans as “excellent” in terms of their cultural contribution to Greenwich, though he expressed concerns about the building’s design, which he described as “boxy.” Conversely, Cllr Tamasin Rhymes expressed enthusiasm for the aesthetic and the potential benefits, stating, “I quite like the idea of our own National Theatre. I very much welcome the cultural benefits, the jobs, and the training.”

As the project moves forward, it aims to establish a new cultural landmark in London while fostering community engagement, ultimately contributing to the vibrant artistic landscape of the capital.