Warehouse Theatre Says 'Show Will Go On For Croydon'
The Warehouse Theatre was stunned by the news - not first hand, but delivered by the Croydon Advertiser - that the Croydon Council grant is to be axed at the end of this year. This is in fact a double cut - not only of the annual grant but also of the last quarter of the present financial year.
'We are disappointed at the lack of foresight by the Council and its demolition of the culture of the town.'
Ted Craig, Artistic Director. Tuesday 26.09.06
The news couldn't come at a stranger time: next year, the Warehouse celebrates its 30th year of successfully making theatre in Croydon and South London (no one else does this); our new theatre is about to be built; and our Autumn season promises to be the strongest ever with the culmination being the return of Dick Barton, the theatre's most popular export.
Development Plans
We wouldn't be surprised to find that the decision is to do with the potential development on the Gateway site on which the Warehouse sits. But Arrowcroft's arena proposal has been called in by the government and does not have planning permission. Stanhope/Schroder's proposal does have planning permission - they own the land and have the finance in place to progress the scheme. This exciting plan will deliver a green urban park, offices, restaurants, a Health Centre and our new 200 seat theatre - the inclusion of the theatre was welcomed by the Secretary of State when he granted planning permission.
The arena scheme would demolish the Warehouse and not replace it and the proposed events would cut across the events of Fairfield.
Double jeopardy for the arts in Croydon as Warehouse and Fairfield would close under these plans.
Value for Money
Warehouse has been a success story for 29 and a half years - the council's support through its revenue grant has enabled the delivery of an accessible programme that attracts and reflects the cultural diversity of Croydon and the Warehouse has put Croydon on the regional, national and international map. The theatre's celebrated educational programme is second to none. The theatre was three times Croydon Champion for Culture, twice the Best Night Time Entertainment Venue.and was nominated for the TMA/Arts Council Eclipse Award for combatting racism.
Regeneration
The Warehouse Theatre is a key part of the regeneration of Croydon, part of the town's heritage and a key economic driver. The annual Warehouse grant is a drop in the ocean for Croydon Council and, we guess, a fraction of the running costs of the Clocktower.
