Hammersmith and Fulham Council's Planning and Development Control Committee has approved plans for the conversion of the Stuart Building at Sacred Heart High School into a school theatre and performing arts centre.
The decision, made at the committee meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, grants permission for the conversion of the existing gymnasium, dating back to the 1930s, into a 225-seat theatre space. The proposal also includes extensions to the east and west elevations to provide foyer facilities and other alterations.
The Stuart Building, no longer used for its original purpose due to increasing student numbers and the availability of new sports facilities, will be transformed to meet the school's growing needs for drama teaching and technical skills development. The new theatre will be multi-purpose, suitable for drama teaching, performances, assemblies, music rehearsals, and lectures. Beyond general drama teaching and technical skills, the centre will also host assemblies for year groups of at least 200 students, lectures, and non-seated events such as exhibitions and parents' evenings. The school states that the facility will provide necessary support and resources for the curriculum, particularly for the development of drama and technical skills.
An extension to the east elevation will create foyer facilities, with a mezzanine level overlooking the existing courtyard. A smaller infill extension is planned for the west elevation. The design aims to be sympathetic to the Grade II* listed school building and its Brook Green Conservation Area setting. The proposed extension is considered a subservient addition, allowing the existing building's full height, length, and roof to remain legible and perceived separately from the new elements. Constructed with a timber superstructure and a laminated timber lattice roof, the extension will use natural materials to complement the existing buildings. The foyer extension will be limited in height and will not impact mature trees contributing to the setting, while the rear stage extension will be constructed of red brick to match the Stuart Building's materiality. This high-quality design is considered sympathetic and complimentary, preserving the significance of the site.
While officers noted less than substantial harm
to the listed building's character, this was outweighed by the public benefits of enhanced educational facilities and potential community use outside of school hours. A concurrent application for Listed Building Consent was also approved.
The new theatre and performing arts centre will feature a separate entrance from the courtyard facing Bute Gardens and will be self-contained with dedicated front-of-house and backstage accommodation. Crucially, the new facility will be wheelchair accessible for both audiences and performers.
Details regarding the community use management plan, including arrangements for hire by other schools and community groups, will be secured through a legal agreement. This plan will ensure the facility is available for external schools and the wider community for events outside of school hours, further enhancing its accessibility.
The proposed extension is expected to have a negligible impact on the character and appearance of the Brook Green Conservation Area, with mature trees contributing to the setting being retained. Specific measures to minimize disruption during construction were not detailed in the meeting information.
For more details, refer to the Public reports pack for the Planning and Development Control Committee meeting.
