Greenwich Council's Planning Board has approved plans for a temporary event space on the Greenwich Peninsula, set to host immersive entertainment and shows for up to 10 years.
The venue, operated by the renowned immersive theatre company Secret Cinema, will feature a 4,027 sqm auditorium with a capacity for 1,500 guests and 130 staff. Secret Cinema specializes in creating experiences that audiences step into, combining performance, design, and hospitality. Over its 10-year residency, the company plans to stage a succession of different shows across various genres and for diverse audiences.
The site, located east of East Parkside, south of Edmund Halley Way, and west of Olympian Way, was formerly used for coach parking. Public access will be from Olympian Way, with a rear servicing yard accessible from East Parkside.
Transport and Access
Despite the absence of on-site car parking, the development will include 20 visitor and 16 staff cycle parking spaces. Transport for London (TfL) has acknowledged that a significant percentage of patrons are expected to use public transport, particularly the Jubilee Line. Capacity analyses conducted by the applicant's transport team have confirmed that North Greenwich Station and the Jubilee Line can accommodate visitors from Secret Cinema, the Troubadour Theatre, Magazine London, and the O2 Arena, even during peak times. To manage visitor flow, TfL has stressed the importance of participating in the event coordination agreement with other nearby venues to stagger start and finish times, thereby reducing overall peak demand at the station.
Concerns regarding pedestrian comfort on Olympian Way have been addressed through a footpath assessment, which found that while a normal walking speed is possible, conflicts are becoming more frequent. The Venue Management Plan will detail queuing arrangements within the site and measures to direct pedestrians, mitigating potential overcrowding. Furthermore, to address issues with taxis and rideshare vehicles stopping on East Parkside, Night Dragon is implementing geofencing for taxi apps and exploring physical barriers on event nights. An East Parkside traffic management plan will be developed to further assess and implement solutions.
Environmental and Economic Impact
The plans incorporate landscaping and tree planting, aiming for a 21% biodiversity net gain, exceeding the 10% requirement. The venue is projected to create approximately 50 full-time and 80 part-time jobs. Secret Cinema's residency is expected to stimulate the local economy by over £2 million annually through local employment, prioritizing local suppliers, and drawing visitors to the area. The company also plans to offer discounted tickets for local residents and schools, work experience opportunities, and collaborate with local educational institutions.
Safety and Noise Management
Concerns raised by residents regarding noise, traffic, and pedestrian movement have been addressed through conditions and a Section 106 legal agreement. A comprehensive Venue Management Plan (VMP) is required, which will include details on crowd control, security measures, and managing guests exiting the venue. Secret Cinema will position staff at strategic locations to ensure a quiet and well-managed egress, minimizing noise impact on residents. Disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated, and detailed security measures aligned with Secured by Design principles will be implemented.
Regarding noise, the VMP must be updated to include evidence of Secret Cinema signing up to the events coordination agreement. The venue must operate within the noise limits specified in the submitted assessment. A noise management plan will be submitted within six months of the venue's first use, including monitoring of noise levels during a full-capacity event. If non-compliance is detected, additional sound mitigation measures will be required before the next use.
Long-Term Vision
The site is identified for primarily residential uses under the relevant Outline Permission, with potential for ground-floor commercial uses. While the venue is temporary, the surrounding plots are designated for residential-led development, with some already under construction. The long-term vision for the site after the 10-year period is for it to contribute to the area's residential landscape.
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