Ealing Conservative councillors have raised serious concerns over proposals to locate a temporary Troubadour Theatre in Walpole Park, amid growing opposition from local residents and community organisations.
The proposal would see a substantial theatre complex installed in Walpole Park for approximately three and a half years, raising concerns about the impact on the park, local residents, wildlife, traffic and the wider environment.
Cllr Sean Hanrahan, Conservative councillor for Ealing Broadway, said:
“I love theatre and I strongly support Ealing having a thriving cultural scene. But that should not mean sacrificing one of our most valued public parks.
“I use Walpole Park on many days during my lunch break, so I see first-hand how important it is to residents. It is a place where people come to exercise, relax, enjoy nature and escape the pressures of everyday life. It is also an important habitat for wildlife.
“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.
“That is precisely why we should be protecting and enhancing our existing green spaces, not reducing them. I want Ealing to have a thriving cultural scene, but we should be able to achieve that without sacrificing the green spaces.”
Cllr Hanrahan has campaigned to protect Ealing’s green spaces for many years and has been a member of the Ealing Wildlife Facebook group for several years.
“The Conservatives are the only party in Ealing to have consistently opposed the development of our green spaces. Protecting them is one of the reasons I became involved in local politics in the first place.
“Ealing’s parks belong to the community. We have a responsibility to protect them for current residents and for future generations.”
“I have received a significant number of emails from residents who are deeply concerned about the proposal. Their concerns deserve to be taken seriously.
“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.”
