London’s Marble Arch may soon host a striking new addition: a temporary theatre constructed from recycled fabric and timber. Wood Central understands that Hartshorn‑Hook Productions Ltd has lodged a planning application with Westminster City Council, seeking permission to turn part of the roundabout into a performance space.
The company, which manages the historic Arts Theatre in the West End, plans to use the venue as a temporary base during a two‑year refurbishment of its own building. If approved, the pop‑up would seat 500 people and operate between January 26, 2026, and March 2028.
Standing 10 meters tall, the theatre would be built around an aluminium frame clad in lightweight panels made from recycled fabric strips. Its base would be finished with reclaimed timber boards, either stained or whitewashed, with access via the southern forecourt of Marble Arch. Inside, designs show a foyer stretching the full width of the building and a central bar, whilst the western end would feature the stage backed by shipping containers converted into dressing rooms, toilets, and offices.
The proposal has already drawn backing from Westminster City, local amenity groups, and nearby businesses. Transport for London did not object, provided delivery and servicing plans are prepared. The Metropolitan Police and The Royal Parks have reserved their comments until the planning meeting.
Historic England voiced concern, warning the temporary venue would “detract from the dominance of the arch”, and that lighting and signage would add to the impact. “The temporary building would generally be at odds with the formal, ceremonial character of the arch’s designed setting,” the body said.
Despite these reservations, council officials are expected to approve the plan at the committee’s December 9 meeting. They noted that the grassed island has hosted temporary installations since 2000, including an ice rink and a theatre.
“The scale and prominence of the proposed temporary theatre mean that it will cause some harm to the setting of the Marble Arch for a more usually acceptable period, and the Arch and its landscape gain no public benefit from the proposal. However, there are wider public benefits in terms of supporting the West End economy and providing a temporary home for the theatre while its own premises are undergoing building work,” the council wrote.
The site, designated as Metropolitan Open Land, enjoys protections similar to those of London’s Green Belt. Between July 2021 and January 2022, it was home to the Marble Arch Mound, a temporary attraction that drew widespread public attention. The Arts Theatre on Great Newport Street will close at the end of this year, with its final performance scheduled for December 31, 2025. Renovations are expected to last 24 months, leaving the Marble Arch pop‑up as its interim stage.
