A former Debenhams store in west London is set to be converted into a 600-seat theatre despite concerns from some residents. Capital Theatre will open with Dirty Dancing: The Classic Story Live on Stage this autumn at the Shepherd's Bush Westfield shopping centre. Licencing was granted in February despite objections that drunken people would cause disruption and again when the planning application was submitted but this week's meeting unanimously approved the plans. Planning officers, who recommended the change of use said the show would be an immersive experience where visitors would "only be able to dine within the proposed development in combination with viewing the show". According to the LDRS, contributions of £275,000 have been agreed to be paid by the applicant to the Law Enforcement Team, CCTV and other local improvements. There were four objections submitted to Hammersmith and Fulham council's licensing committee in February. One person with two young children wrote: "I understand people need to have a release, time to have a drink, however the limit is when I am threatened at my own house. I would feel much safer with less drunk people around, not more." The venue was granted permission to show plays until 12.30am Monday to Sunday and to stay open until 1am. Sue Dowling, a partner at Blandy & Blandy, representing the applicant told the licensing meeting that while there would be some dancing after the show, this would allow for a more gradual dispersal of attendees rather than a mass exodus. Speaking at the time, Karl Sydow and Adam Kenwright, who are behind the venture told theLocal Democracy Reporting Service(LDRS) they were "thrilled" with the approval "and look forward to joining the Westfield London and Hammersmith and Fulham communities". Listen to the best of BBC Radio London onSoundsand follow BBC London onFacebook,XandInstagram. Send your story ideas tohello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk
Theatre to open in former Debenhams in Westfield
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"New Theatre to Open in Former Debenhams Store at Westfield London"
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TruthLens AI Summary
A former Debenhams store located in Westfield, west London, is set to undergo transformation into a 600-seat theatre named Capital Theatre, with plans to debut the production 'Dirty Dancing: The Classic Story Live on Stage' this autumn. The licensing for the theatre was granted in February, despite receiving several objections from local residents who expressed concerns over potential disruptions caused by drunken attendees. These objections were reiterated during the planning application process; however, the plans were unanimously approved at a recent meeting. Planning officers who advocated for the change emphasized that the theatre experience would be immersive, as visitors would only be able to dine in conjunction with watching the show, thereby aiming to minimize disruption to the surrounding area. Additionally, the applicant has agreed to contribute £275,000 towards local improvements, including funding for the Law Enforcement Team and CCTV installations, which may help address some community concerns regarding safety and noise.
Despite the approval, some residents remain apprehensive about the theatre's impact on the neighborhood, particularly regarding late-night disturbances. One parent of young children voiced their worries about increased drunkenness in the area and the feeling of safety in their own home. The theatre has been granted permission to operate until 12:30 AM from Monday to Sunday, with an extended closing time of 1 AM. In defense of the project, Sue Dowling, representing the applicant, highlighted that there would be some post-show dancing, which is intended to facilitate a gradual dispersal of patrons rather than a chaotic exit. The project leaders, Karl Sydow and Adam Kenwright, expressed their excitement over the approval, looking forward to integrating into the Westfield London and Hammersmith and Fulham communities. This development marks a significant shift for the area, promising to bring new entertainment options while balancing community concerns about safety and noise management.
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