Protest To Be Held Against Troubadour Theatre Plan
Pushback begins against proposal for 1,200-seat venue in Walpole Park
The Mattock Lane entrance to Walpole Park
September 7, 2026
A grassroots campaign to halt Ealing Council’s proposed Troubadour Theatre development in Walpole Park has quickly gathered momentum in the days leading up to the cabinet meeting on this Wednesday (9 September).
A now calling itself The Walpole Park Preservation Society has launched two petitions and is asking supporters to join a protest ahead of the key meeting
. In a leaflet circulating locally, campaigners warn that the council intends to construct “a massive, 1,200 seat theatre in the centre of Walpole Park,” a structure they describe as “temporary” only in name. “The ‘temporary’ structure will remain for 3 1/2 years,” the leaflet states, adding that it would host “the same show 8 times per week, attracting 9,600 visitors weekly.”
The group argues that the impact on everyday park life would be severe: “YOU WILL LOSE THE ENTIRE CENTRAL PART OF THE PARK… YOU’LL BE RESTRICTED TO JUST THE PERIMETER,” they write, warning of noise, congestion, environmental harm and the displacement of families, dog-walkers, fitness groups and children who use the play areas. Plans submitted with the report to the cabinet show the theatre occupying most of the northern end of the park.
Plan from cabinet papers showing the location of the theatre
Two petitions – one on Ealing Council’s website and another on Change.org – have become the focal point of the campaign. The council-hosted petition, titled Block the Troubadour Theatre development in Walpole Park, sets out a detailed case against the scheme. It argues that the proposed building is “completely out of character with the surrounding neighbourhood,” that the 3.5-year lease is “clearly not temporary,” and that late-night performances, alcohol sales, litter and crowd dispersal will “disrupt the peace and well-being of neighbouring residential areas.”
The petition also cites Ealing’s own planning policies, particularly Local Plan Policy G4, which requires development on green space to be led by nature conservation and recreation, and to preserve visual openness. Campaigners argue that the theatre “contravenes Ealing Council’s own policy for developing open spaces.”
Walpole Park, they note, is a Grade II listed landscape and an important habitat for wildlife. The petition quotes the Ealing Biodiversity Action Plan’s vision to “conserve and enhance habitats that create better, and more interconnected places for wildlife across Ealing,” arguing that the theatre would do the opposite.
At the time of writing, both petitions have over 400 signatures.
Alongside the petitions, campaigners are organising a protest outside Perceval House at 4.30pm on Wednesday 9 September, shortly before the cabinet meets to discuss the proposal. Their call-to-action leaflet urges residents to attend: “We will be there and we need your help!”
The Ealing Parks Foundation (EPF), an umbrella organisation for green groups across the borough, has also issued a formal statement strongly objecting to the theatre’s proposed location. They describe Walpole Park as “a much needed, high quality green space in central Ealing,” emphasising its Grade II listing and its role as the setting for Pitzhanger Manor.
EPF criticises the lack of early engagement with environmental groups and questions why the cabinet recommendation has been classed as a non-key decision. They argue that the proposal is being rushed through ahead of the borough’s forthcoming Green Infrastructure Strategy and Nature Recovery Plan, calling the timing “illogical.”
Visualisation released by the council of the proposed venue
The statement raises ten detailed questions for the council, including why alternative brownfield sites were not considered, how construction traffic will be managed in a busy park, and what happens if the theatre proves profitable and seeks to remain beyond the three-year lease.
Liberal Democrat councillor Adam Keenan, along with colleagues, met the Chair of Questors Theatre last Friday after receiving many emails and messages unhappy about the proposals.
He said, “Local residents are extremely concerned about the excessive noise, increasing traffic congestion on Mattock Lane, the potential impact on The Questors Theatre, building a semi-permanent structure on Metropolitan Open Land (MOL), and that large parts of Walpole Park will be blocked from the public all year round under the current plans.
He said, “The Liberal Democrat Official Opposition are demanding that the current plans for Troubadour Theatre to build a 1,200-seat semi-permanent theatre at Walpole Park to be stopped, and find an alternative suitable site instead."
Cllr Adam Keenan outside Questors Theatre
Ealing Council maintains that the proposal is an opportunity to bring “world class performing arts” to the borough and to boost the local economy. Council leader Peter Mason argues that the theatre could “breathe new life into the Broadway,” increase footfall for local businesses and offer residents access to major productions at more affordable prices.
The council stresses that the structure would be removed after three years and the land restored to parkland. Cabinet member for thriving communities Lauren Wall says the proposal aligns with the borough’s cultural manifesto and could help make Ealing “a cultural destination for west London.”
If cabinet approves the lease in principle, the council promises a formal consultation and autumn engagement events for residents.
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