An Ealing Conservative councillor has questioned whether Labour-run Ealing Council properly considered alternative locations before backing plans for a 1,200-seat temporary Troubadour theatre in Walpole Park.
Councillor Sean Hanrahan, who represents Ealing Broadway ward, which neighbours Walpole Park, spoke out over the weekend after the council’s cabinet agreed in principle last week (9 September 2026) to progress the proposal.
Councillor Hanrahan said increasing housing development in central Ealing was putting greater pressure on existing parks and open spaces.
He said: “Central Ealing has already seen major developments that have significantly increased the number of homes, often with very limited access to additional outdoor or green space.
“As we continue to build more homes, the pressure on our existing parks and open spaces will only increase.”
Councillor Hanrahan said he had received a “significant number” of emails from residents concerned about the proposal and questioned whether other locations had been fully explored.
He added: “We need to be asking whether a large, semi-permanent commercial venue is appropriate for Walpole Park and whether all alternative locations have been properly considered before we put further pressure on one of Ealing’s most important public parks.”
However, Councillor Lauren Wall, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for thriving communities, told the cabinet meeting that the council did not own another suitable site in the area for the proposed theatre.
She said: “The opportunity or question facing the council is not a question of where else this theatre could go, but whether it potentially comes to Ealing or not.”
Under the proposal, Troubadour would operate the theatre for three years, with a further six months allowed for construction and dismantling.
The cabinet decision does not grant planning permission. The proposal is set to go to public consultation and Troubadour would need to submit a planning application before the theatre could be built.
Council leader Councillor Peter Mason has given an assurance that the theatre would not become a permanent feature of Walpole Park.
Speaking at the cabinet meeting, he said: “In four years’ time, there will be no theatre on Walpole Park. That is the baseline position.”
Troubadour Theatres has been approached for comment.
