Temporary theatre event space at Marble Arch At Marble Arch, London W1H

What was proposed

A 500-seat pop-up theatre was proposed on Marble Arch Island from 26 January 2026 to 26 March 2028.

“Permission is sought for a temporary pop up theatre from 26 th January 2026 to 26 March 2028 on open grassed area adjacent to the Grade 1 listed Marble Arch. The theatre which will have a capacity of 500 patrons, will provide a temporary home for ‘The Arts Theatre’ in the West End which is scheduled to undergo a major 2 year refurbishment programme and will have its final performance on 31 st December 2025.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a grassed and paved area on Marble Arch Island beside the Grade I listed Marble Arch, within the Royal Parks Conservation Area and Metropolitan Open Land.

“Marble Arch is located on the north eastern side of the island and is a key landmark at the western end of Oxford Street. The site comprises a hard landscaped area of tarmac and grassed area located to the south west of the Arch part of the East Island.”

“The surrounding area is diverse in terms of the scale, height, form and design of buildings. The site is within the Royal Parks Conservation Area and is designated as Metropolitan Open Land (MOL). Hyde Park is listed at Grade 1 on the Register of Parks and Gardens. The Bayswater Conservation Area is situated to the north west, the Portman Estate Conservation Area to the north and Mayfair Conservation Area to the east. The site lies within the Central Activities Zone.”

Officer report

Earlier temporary uses

The island has hosted art, sports, ice-rink and theatre installations, while a larger 2011 event proposal was refused and a viewing platform was permitted in 2021.

“The eastern traffic island has been the subject of a number of temporary uses including art installations, Olympic sports installations during the games in 2012,use as an ice rink, a temporary theatre ( in 2017 and 2018).”

“In 2011 permission was refused for a much larger development straddling Tyburn Way to provide a temporary event facility to promote the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. The application was refused due to concerns over scale, design, traffic generation, security and loss of trees.”

Officer report

The officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval for two years because a temporary theatre would preserve a West End stage and its public benefits would outweigh heritage harm.

“The location of the structure is sensitive due to its setting adjacent to the Grade 1 Listed Marble Arch and location on Metropolitan Open Land (MOL). However, the provision of a temporary theatre would ensure that Westminster does not lose a precious, West End stage throughout the refurbishment of…”

“The Arts Theatre. This is a clear planning benefit which is considered to outweigh the less than substantial harm that would be caused to designated heritage assets.”

Officer report

Heritage and open land

The structure would cause less than substantial harm through its size and bulk, but its temporary nature and wider benefits supported approval.

“In heritage asset terms, the overall harm is at the low end of less than substantial but that to the setting of the Arch is in the mid-range due to the size and bulk of the structure in what should be an open space. This harm weighs heavily against the proposal, but the benefits of the scheme are sufficient to outweigh the harm.”

“It is agreed that the scale and prominence of the proposed temporary theatre mean that it will cause some harm to the setting of the Marble Arch for a more usually acceptable period, and the Arch and its landscape gain no public benefit from the proposal. However, there are wider public benefits in terms of supporting the West End economy and providing a temporary home for the theatre while its own premises are undergoing building work.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Historic England sought design refinement, while TfL, highways and waste consultees raised no objection subject to conditions and several organisations supported the proposal.

“HISTORIC ENGLAND Advise that the design could be refined to minimise the impact of this proposal on the significance of highly graded heritage assets.”

“HIGHWAYS PLANNING MANAGER No objection, subject to conditions: Servicing;- All servicing should occur from within the site. All vehicles must enter and exit the site in forward gear. Cycle Parking;- A minimum of 12 long stay cycle parking spaces should be provided prior to occupation. Waste storage to be provided prior to occupation. Road safety;- No doors should open onto the highway.”

Officer report

Public representations

One objection concerned increased pedicabs, while five letters supported the cultural use, area improvements and visitor attraction.

“I objection that the proposal will result in increased pedicabs in the area…”

“The scheme will add a cultural element that would result in an uplift and significant improvement to the area.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A representative of the production company and a representative of Marble Arch London BID spoke in support.

The committee’s vote

The committee unanimously granted conditional permission for a temporary period of two years.

“Use of part of Marble Arch Island as a temporary theatre event space with associated structures and works. Additional representations were received from Historic England (20.10.2025), Theatres Trust (18.11.2025), Society of London Arts Theatre (21.11.2025), Marble Arch London BID (18.11.2025), Mayfair Neighbourhood Forum (2.10.2025), Bayswater Residents Association (24.11.2025), Transport for London (12.11.2025), Clermont Hotel Group (19.11.2025) and two residents…”

“That conditional permission for a temporary period of 2 years be granted subject to an informative reminding the applicant that the submission of details of 24-hour security measures is required under the Operational Management Plan condition.”

Minutes