The Westminster Theatre Could Stand Once More

Since 2002 there has been a noticeable blank space on the cultural landscape of London. It was the year in which the famous Westminster Theatre burnt down, taking with it a legacy that spanned almost 70 years. However, there is hope for the venue, with plans for a brand new 314 seat theatre getting the go ahead from Westminster City Council, paving way for a brand new edition to the theatrical landscape of London. According to BBC News, as well as the main stage, there will also be other editions to the complex, including a smaller cabaret stage, as well as flats and a restaurant, adding a new cultural quarter to Palace Street.

The building will contain eight floors, with a façade made of Portland stone The original buildings, which was also a multi-purpose construction, was originally built as Charlotte Chapel as far back as 1766, but in the years since that day there have been various different alterations made to the site and the building has taken on many different purposes. After new additions were made in the early twentieth century, the venue was used as a cinema from the 1920s forwards, before becoming a theatre a decade later. However, this was not the end of the story, as the venue was re-arranged many further times later in the century,

before becoming the venue everyone knew it as earlier this decade. The Westminster Theatre had a seating capacity of 560 people. In the history of London theatres, there have been many examples of venues burning down, only to be reconstructed at a later date. However, most of these occurrences took place in the nineteenth century and are a large part of the history of the West End. Speaking about the development, the planning committee chairman, Councillor Robert David commented: "I am confident these plans will give this historic site a new lease of life as a cultural hub in the heart of Victoria.

Theatre has helped shaped our city over centuries and forms the lifeblood of its cultural and entertainment offer which attracts visitors from around the world… It is testament to its enduring appeal that even in the midst of a recession we can have an exciting, new and in my opinion well-designed addition to Theatreland."