Ealing Central and Acton MP Dr Rupa Huq has joined growing calls for Labour-run Ealing Council to reconsider controversial plans for a 1,200-seat “pop-up” Troubadour theatre in Walpole Park, saying there is “no need to sacrifice scarce green space” for the project.
The Labour MP has written to Councillor Lauren Wall, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for thriving communities, ahead of a protest and cabinet meeting today (9 September 2026), with cabinet members due to consider whether to agree to the proposal in principle.
Walpole Park is in the neighbouring Ealing Southall constituency, represented by fellow Labour MP Deirdre Costigan, who has been approached for comment by EALING.NEWS.
Dr Huq said she had been contacted by “numerous local constituents” about the plans.
While welcoming the expansion of arts in Ealing, Dr Huq said there were unanswered questions about the loss of public green space, biodiversity and the future of existing events in the park.
She said: “I believe there are a number of unanswered questions that would need to be addressed and fears to be allayed before agreement for such a dramatic loss of vanishingly rare public green space.”
Dr Huq also questioned what condition the park would be left in after the proposed three-year theatre operation and raised concerns over the future of events including the Blues Festival, Beer Festival and Comedy Festival.
Calling for further consideration of the proposal, she said: “There are numerous empty brick and mortar properties that could accommodate this, even our own sadly unused Town Hall; I see no need to sacrifice scarce green space for this project.”
Her intervention comes amid growing opposition to the Walpole Park location. Ealing Parks Foundation has called for tonight’s cabinet item to be deferred, saying council officers should instead meet key stakeholders to discuss the proposal and alternative locations.
EPF co-chairs Jane Fernley and Paul Carter said there had been a “massive wave of opposition” since the plans became public and that the charity was “ready to engage constructively on suitable alternatives”.
Ealing Liberal Democrats say nearly 1,500 people have signed the party’s petition against the plans, while separate council and Change.org petitions have also attracted hundreds of signatures.
A protest is due to begin outside Perceval House at 4.30pm ahead of the cabinet meeting.
Ealing Council previously told EALING.NEWS that the proposed theatre would occupy only part of Walpole Park, “leaving the majority of it for public use”.
A council spokesperson said the potential impact on residents, including noise from performances and audiences, lighting, security and safety, as well as the protection of the park and wildlife, would be taken into consideration.
The council said it looked forward to hearing views from residents, park users, businesses and others when consultation on the proposal goes live.
Troubadour Theatres has also been approached for comment.
