Plans to restore a Grade II listed building on Shaftesbury Avenue to its former theatrical glory have just been given the green light by Camden Council. The site of the former Saville Theatre was purchased by Yoo Capital (the same team that’s behind the new playhouse headed to Olympia later this year) back in 2021 – and permission has just been granted for new life to be breathed into the iconic venue.
The new West End theatre on the block will feature a 622-seat auditorium at its centre. Having originally opened in 1931, the Saville Theatre operated as a theatre for 40 years before being turned into a cinema in the 70s. And now it’s time for the historic building to return to its showbiz roots, as the wheels are officially in motion to transform it into a shiny new state-of-the-art performance spaceand firmly reinstate its status as one of the capital’s cultural icons.
The Saville Theatre
The redevelopment of the Saville Theatre is being led by London-based architects, SPPARC. Prospective plans include the restoration of some of the building’s original features that are currently suffering from corrosion, the addition of new security measures, and a basement extension. If all goes to plan, the theatre will become the very first permanent home of the legendary circus company, Sun circus. And the new-and-improved building will also boast a brand new boutique hotel and a specially-designed restaurant.
The development plans have been reviewed and amended following many years of community consultation and engagement. The planning permission approval comes after many months of correspondence with the likes of the Theatres Trust and Historic Englandwho had previously highlighted some reservations towards the plans.
No specific timeline has been outlined for the development, but it could take up to three years to complete. It’s time to get the show on the road, I guess.
Find out more about the prospective plans for Saville Theatre here.
