Arches Lane Theatre closes permanently after Battersea Power Station eviction

Arches Lane Theatre has ceased operations permanently after its landlord, Battersea Power Station Development Company (BPSDC), issued an eviction notice. The closure, which took effect at the end of September, has forced the cancellation of all shows and events planned through to late 2026. Artistic director Sharon Willems and business partner Leo Bacica had invested their life savings into the theatre's equipment and a significant refit.

Ms Willems told MyLondon that the theatre signed a three-year lease in March 2025 with a break clause, which they understood to be a formality. She stated that they were encouraged to believe a long-term future was possible, leading them to develop the space. However, approximately a year later, they were informed they needed to vacate the premises.

New Tenant and Support Offers

The reason for the eviction, according to Ms Willems, is that BPSDC has accepted a commercial hospitality tenant for the archway. This new tenant is understood to be a 'cultural venue' incorporating music, food, and drink. Ms Willems also claimed to have given tours of the not-for-profit theatre to the incoming tenant without understanding the purpose of the visits, suggesting the demonstration of the unit's viability was used as proof of concept.

Following a period of negotiation, during which the theatre shelved a planned festival after being denied a lease extension, BPSDC offered to allow Arches Lane Theatre to continue operating rent-free until the end of 2026. This offer came after all shows had already been cancelled. BPSDC stated they could not suggest an alternative site within the Power Station estate as no units met the operational requirements for a theatre. However, they have offered support, including introductions to other local venues and PR assistance.

Impact on Community and Future Plans

The closure of Arches Lane Theatre, which previously housed the Turbine Theatre, is expected to significantly impact local artists and Wandsworth residents. Ms Willems described the venue as a place of connection and creativity, offering a space for community interaction that was not solely focused on retail or dining. She expressed concern that arts accessibility is diminishing in the Battersea Power Station area, particularly with the arrival of new, more exclusive venues.

The theatre team is currently dismantling equipment with volunteers and has launched an emergency Crowdfunder to help recoup lost revenue and cover moving expenses, as well as utility bills and a loan. Ms Willems is also seeking stronger protections for cultural venues, advocating for them to be treated differently from commercial enterprises and for concessions to be made by property developers who benefit from cultural contributions.

The team is exploring the possibility of securing a new site with Camden Council. They will continue to operate their sister venue, Barons Court Theatre, though this also faces uncertainty due to a lease dispute.

A spokesperson for Battersea Power Station confirmed that they regularly review leasing arrangements for commercial units. They stated that the decision to exercise the break clause was made as part of this process. The spokesperson added that the unit will remain in long-term cultural use, reinforcing their commitment to culture at Battersea Power Station, and highlighted past partnerships with Wandsworth Council and ongoing cultural programmes.