The National Theatre has taken industrial space in South Bermondsey, SE16, as part of a new sustainability initiative.
The 15-year green lease was signed for a 36,000 sq ft warehouse, located a short distance from the theatre’s South Bank hub, where it has been based since 1976.
The move is expected to bring together costumes, props, and recyclable scenery under one roof to encourage reuse and reduce carbon impacts.
The facility, owned by the Church Commissioners since the 1980s, has previously served as the Church of England Record Centre, housing the archives of the Church Commissioners, the General Synod and its predecessors, and other bodies relating to the Church of England. In 2020, the archives moved to Lambeth Palace Library.
James Parker, asset manager at the Church Commissioners, said: “As the former home of the Church Commissioners’ own archives, this warehouse has a historical significance for us. We’re pleased to secure an innovative new future for the site.”
Paul Handley, director of production and technical at the National Theatre, said: “This new space will unlock so much potential in terms of sustainable theatre practice, not just for the National Theatre but we hope for the industry as a whole.
“As a sector, we all need more efficient management and usage of our existing resources if we are to achieve the circular economy that a net zero carbon future demands. This is the first step on this journey that supports our ambitions to be environmentally and economically sustainable, putting reusing and recycling at the heart of our work.”
Kalmars acted for the Church Commissioners; Gerald Eve advised the National Theatre.
Image © Church Commissioners
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