Streatham, South London, UK info@streathamhilltheatre.org 020 3582 4912

Streatham Hill Theatre added to SAVE Britain’s Heritage Buildings at Risk Register 2022

Today, 29th June, Save Britain’s Heritage (SAVE), has added Streatham Hill Theatre to its Buildings at Risk Register 2022 which highlights historic buildings whose future is uncertain, and ultimately seeks to return them to use and secure the buildings’ futures.

Photo Tim Hatcher

David Harewood MBE and Jools Holland OBE DL have today become Patrons of The Friends of Streatham Hill Theatre campaign to find a sustainable solution to the future of the building, and promote its return to use as an arts and culture venue for the community. Other Patrons of the campaign include: Baroness Floella Benjamin, DBE, DL, Samira Ahmed, and Sir Mark Rylance.

Also today, broadcast journalism students at the University of Westminster have published online a student documentary featuring Sherwood star, and campaign Patron, Robert Glenister, and others, covering the history of the Theatre, its importance, and the campaign to save it.

Responding to these announcements, David Harvey, Chair, The Friends of Streatham Hill Theatre said “These developments demonstrate yet more recognition for the majestic Streatham Hill Theatre, its historic importance, and the breadth and depth of support in the community for the building to be rejuvenated for a future in arts and culture.”

Further statements:
‘The prospect of bringing back to life a theatre in South London, with a stage the equivalent size of the Palladium, is very exciting. My friend the late Chris Barber and his jazz band played there in the fifties, and it would be so wonderful to see the Streatham Hill Theatre filled with all kinds of music once again. I’m delighted to add my support to this important campaign to save it.”
Jools Holland OBE DL, Pianist, Composer, Bandleader, Singer and Broadcaster

“Theatre and the Creative Arts are so important for people’s well-being, which is just one of the reasons I’m fully behind the Friends’ campaign to bring this very special building back to life as a beating heart for our wonderful Streatham community and beyond.”
David Harewood MBE, Actor, Director, Presenter and Author

“If it can be preserved as a historical venue and as a performing venue as well, then, best of both worlds.”
Robert Glenister, Actor

“With dazzlingly opulent interiors, this exceptional 1920s theatre is an important part of London’s rich cultural history. Remarkably little altered since it opened, it is well-suited to being brought back into use as a performance venue. SAVE Britain’s Heritage is today adding it to our Buildings at Risk Register as the theatre has lain largely disused for some time and is highly vulnerable to redevelopment. Fortunately, The Friends of Streatham Hill Theatre have a vision to bring the theatre back into use for the community. SAVE wholeheartedly supports their initiative.”
Henrietta Billings, Director, SAVE Britain’s Heritage

“The addition of the Streatham Hill Theatre to the Save Britain’s Heritage’s latest At Risk Register is a significant step in the ongoing efforts to protect this hidden gem in the heart of Streatham.

“Together with the Friends of Streatham Hill Theatre, Lambeth Council is committed to doing all we can to celebrate its rich history and safeguard its future.

“The campaign has captured everyone’s imagination in Streatham and beyond, and to have so many talented artists, actors and musicians backing the cause show the strength of feeling for this historic venue.”
Cllr Donatus Anyanwu, Lambeth Council Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, Leisure and Sport

“The stunning Streatham Hill Theatre has enormous potential to be restored to its former glory, and used once again as a centre for the arts and creativity.

“The Council should do everything possible to support The Friends of Streatham Hill Theatre ensuring the site is designated as an Asset of Community Value way past its current end-date of July 2023, and to attract funding for the project. There is the opportunity for a cultural centre that would benefit all ages and all communities here in Lambeth.

“Meanwhile, preserving and renovating the theatre for future generations would draw more people to Streatham from all over London, helping to reinvent Europe’s longest high street.”
Cllr Donna Harris, Councillor for Streatham Hill West & Thornton Ward and Group Leader, Lambeth Liberal Democrats

“Since we added Streatham Hill Theatre to our Theatres at Risk Register in 2017, we have been working with the Friends group and other interested parties to find a viable long-term use for this unique theatre. We are delighted to see that support for this cause is growing and we hope that together, Streatham Hill Theatre can be restored, reopened and returned to use as a valuable asset to its local community and high street.”
Claire Appleby, Architecture Adviser, Theatres Trust

The full press released is here (PDF).

2 Comments on “Streatham Hill Theatre added to SAVE Britain’s Heritage Buildings at Risk Register 2022

  1. 100% support this a streatham resident all my life.

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