Network Rail has abandoned its plans to turn the Southwark theatre into a restaurant.
The Union Theatre will remain operating under the railway arches in the London borough of Southwark after a planning application to turn it into a restaurant was withdrawn by Network Rail. The company will now help the theatre to carry out necessary refurbishment work. Labour Londonwide Assembly Member Tom Copley, who is conducting an investigation into the issues facing London’s small theatres , worked with local campaigners to save the theatre. He welcomed the news but said that many theatres are vulnerable to redevelopment into houses and offices as landlords take advantage of soaring property prices: “This theatre has established itself firmly in Southwark, which was illustrated with the amount of support from residents who rallied round to save it. Network Rail has done the right thing by listening to what local people want and we’re grateful that this fantastic theatre will be staying put.”