A community campaign to save a theatre in Streatham got a £15,000 boost from the Mayor of London on Tuesday (March 10). 

Sadiq Khan announced the campaign to save the historic Streatham Hill Theatre will receive the pledge as part of Crowdfund London.  

The money will go towards plans to revive the dormant 2,800-capacity theatre as a multi-purpose arts and cultural venue, and for a professional viability study to develop proposals and options for a sustainable business model. 

The crowdfunding campaign was launched in January by the Friends of Streatham Hill Theatre and has since received 300 pledges.

Another £10,000 is needed to reach a £36,000 goal by May 25. 

David Harvey, chair of the Friends of Streatham Hill Theatre said: “I would like to personally thank the Mayor of London for his generous support for our campaign to save Streatham Hill Theatre.  

“His support, and the many generous pledges from the community, mean we are now in touching distance of our crowdfunding target.  

“Please help us get over the finishing line by pledging your support too.”

Jon Morgan, director of the Theatres Trust said: “Streatham Hill Theatre is a theatre at risk that has great potential to reopen for theatrical use.  

“The lavish interior is still in extraordinary condition and it is a great shame that the public do not get to see it.  

“There are not many theatres of this scale that could be restored and this funding from the Mayor of London will help the friends group to establish a route to getting this building active once again.”

Streatham’s MP, Bell Riberio-Addy said: “I’m delighted to hear Streatham Hill Theatre has secured Mayoral funding to pursue its renovation project.  

“The theatre is an iconic piece of local architecture and I welcome and support efforts to refashion it into a community multi-arts venue, where we can showcase our rich local culture.  

“The sheer scale of donations towards the Save Streatham Hill Theatre Campaign from Streatham locals only goes to show how great our community is at pulling together for the causes we care about.” 

Cllr Sonia Winifred, Lambeth cabinet member for equalities and culture, said: “This contribution from the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is great news for Streatham, and great news for Lambeth.  

“Streatham Hill Theatre is an important local asset that we want to see working for our community, as part of our commitment to preserving our heritage and culture in our diverse borough for future generations.  

“I’d encourage as many residents as possible to get behind this campaign and help reach the final crowdfunding target.”