Ruach City Church, the latest owners of Streatham Hill Theatre are now carrying out works as they finally plan to move in, after leaving the building empty and abandoned since they bought it two years ago.

We have been told they have repaired a water leak in the basement, and removed a pigeon infestation, left over from the bingo days. This is good news for the future of the building.

Other works, however, have proceeded without planning permission or listed building consent, which are required to protect the listed building and its heritage.

These works include construction of a new raised stage, new flooring, toilets in the former shop unit, fire and security alarms, and widening a fire exit. Some of the external fire exits have been boarded up. The upper gallery is out of use, as are the front rows of the dress circle which does not have a sufficient safety rail.

Update: Ruach opened on 30th June 2024 still without planning permission. Lambeth Planning are investigating the unauthorised works (Ref 24/00347/3LB).