In response to the Council’s proposal to install a 1,200 seat theatre in the centre of a listed park, Ealing Parks Foundation have produced the following statement:

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Ealing Parks Foundation strongly objects to the proposed location of the Troubadour Theatre in Walpole Park on a 3.3 year lease, as recommended to Cabinet 9 Sept 2026.

 

This is a much needed, high quality green space in central Ealing and well used by residents and visitors throughout the year. The park is Grade 2 listed and in a conservation area; it is the backdrop to Pitzhanger Manor, itself Grade 1 listed. Nearby is the Questor’s Theatre, and businesses/services/cultural organisations which may be adversely affected by the proposal.

 

The scheme has been worked up without prior engagement with green groups; the cabinet report fails to mention the many potential negative impacts on would-be park users, residents, the green space, trees and wildlife. It is illogical that it is being rushed through in advance of the Green Infrastructure Strategy and Nature Recovery Plan, which it has just commissioned.

 

While EPF supports the drive to improve the cultural offer and local economy it should not be at the expense of precious green space. We feel that low impact, sustainable cultural events are much more appropriate in parks.

 

The proposed 1,200 seat theatre and Troubadour’s high impact productions would be much better located on a brownfield/ meanwhile site, as is the case elsewhere in London. It is disappointing that the Council have not considered alternative locations, which could equally benefit the borough and its residents, and that these are not being presented to Cabinet for consideration.

 

Jane Fernley & Paul Carter

Co-chairs, Ealing Parks Foundation

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Key questions arising from the Troubadour proposal

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1. Given that Ealing has an established Forum of green/ blue groups, and an umbrella Parks Foundation (set up by the Council), why were they not informed /engaged in advance of the publication of Cabinet papers?

2. Given that this proposal impacts people from all wards of Ealing and involves a substantial commercial contract, why is the cabinet recommendation classed as a non-key decision?

3. What alternative locations and options were considered before arriving at th e recommendation in principle to award a 3.3 year lease to Troubadour? (We are reminded of the Dinosaur event in 2025 which was parachuted into Pear TreePark with scant prior engagement, and which resulted in negative impacts for park users and questionable financial benefit.)

4. Specifically, why has a brownfield site with good transport links not been selected (perhaps one already earmarked for future development as has been done in Greenwich)?

5. Given the significant investment Troubadour are making elsewhere, what financial assurances will the council have re their viability. And, if this project fails, who picks up the tab?

6. Conversely, if the venture proves profitable, what happens after 3 years – does it stay in the same location? If so, this permanently removes green space and Metropolitan Open Land from the borough.

7. What assessments have been made of the impacts of a semi-permanent building in Walpole Park – social, environmental etc.

8. How will health and safety be managed in a busy park, with the inevitable need for a massive increase in heavy vehicles for construction and ongoing services to the venue, without further damaging public enjoyment of the space?

9. What are the plans for the relocation of the existing summer festivals to other locations, and will the council provide impact assessments of the loss of green space this will involve?

10. Why has this proposal superseded the development of the Green Infrastructure Plan and Nature Recovery Plan? Both have been commissioned by the Council recently and should specify how green spaces should be used and where nature will be supported?

 

EPF hope to receive direct communications from Ealing Council in the very near future

so we can share an informed perspective.

 

Notes for Editors:
 

Agenda item 11 to Cabinet 9 Sept 26

https://ealing.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=137&MId=6848&Ver=4

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E-petition on Ealing website – closes 4 Oct 26

https://ealing.moderngov.co.uk/mgEPetitionListDisplay.aspx?bcr=1

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Info on Troubadour

https://bos.productions/project/troubadour-theatres/

 

1. Walpole Park estimated footfall was 1 million, before £5.5m renovations in 2014/15. Since then, here have been many more apartments built within the area, meaning more park users.

2. This proposal would take a significant area of the park out of use to the public, create environmental damage, additional sound, noise, traffic and other environmental pollution.

3. This recommendation is presented to Cabinet as a non-key decision and has had no prior consultation with residents/ interested green groups.