The Friends have known that a rejuvenated Streatham Hill Theatre would help regenerate Streatham’s high street (Streatham High Road and Streatham Hill) since the outset, and we have shown it with the crowd-funded Viability Study and Economic Impact Assessment. Lambeth and the InStreatham BID have supported this view through the Streatham Investment and Growth Strategy and the Lambeth Local Plan.

Now The Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP, Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has published the Hope on the High Street strategy which highlights the role of theatres and the like as anchors in the high street. The strategy notes that loss of anchors is seen as a main challenge, and states that strengthening local anchors is a key policy need.

52. Music venues, theatres, museums, libraries, cinemas, gyms and sports venues all play a vital role as high street anchors. They are places of connection and sources of civic pride, supporting creative jobs and providing access to entertainment and culture across the country. Independent businesses are central to the distinctiveness of high streets, offering goods, services and experiences that reflect local character and give people a reason to visit.

Streatham was once the West End of South London, a magnet for those seeking entertainment. Eric Morley, head of Mecca and founder of Miss World, called Streatham Hill “the greatest entertainment centre in Britain”. A renewed Streatham Hill Theatre could once again draw people to the area, helping local businesses and the wider community.