‘At risk’ Enfield theatre faces demolition

London's Enfield Council has approved plans to demolish a local theatre against the objections of the Theatres Trust.

The trust says that local arts provision will suffer if Intimate Theatre, a repertory theatre since 1935, is redeveloped into a parish hall and residential accommodation by its operator, St Monica's Church Parish.

The parish says the building is no longer fit for purpose, and Enfield Council has supported its application as meeting planning law requirements.

The Theatres Trust says "demand is still evident" for the venue, which used to host the St Monica's Players and other groups. 

It is one of 30 theatres in the UK considered by the trust to be "at risk", and was recently listed as an Asset of Community Value.

A recent policy change to protect cultural venues affected by the lockdown from demolition and redevelopment does not apply here: St Monica's Church Parish has been pursuing the change in use since May 2019.