THE Church Commissioners have agreed to lease a 36,000 sq. ft. warehouse in South Bermondsey, London, to the National Theatre, which plans to make use of the space to make use of and recycle its costumes, props, and scenery.
The Commissioners bought the warehouse within the Eighties, for use because the Church of England Record Centre. For many years, the constructing housed the archives of the Commissioners, the General Synod and its predecessors, and other C of E bodies. In 2020, the archives moved to the newly renovated Lambeth Palace Library (News, 19 March 2021).
The asset manager on the Commissioners, James Parker, said: “This warehouse has a historical significance for us. We’re pleased to secure an modern latest future for the positioning by helping the National Theatre to reuse and recycle its props, costumes, and scenery — bringing them under one roof for the primary time.”
A 15-year lease was agreed because substantial works were required from each the Commissioners and the National Theatre.
The National Theatre has leased the space as a part of its latest large-scale sustainability initiative, bringing together costumes, props, and recyclable scenery under one roof to encourage reuse and reduce its carbon footprint. The site was chosen due to its short distance from the theatre company’s South Bank location, where it has been since 1976.
A spokesman for the National Theatre said: “We’re delighted to have found such a perfect home for our production resources in Bermondsey. This latest space will unlock a lot potential by way of sustainable theatre practice, not only for the National Theatre but we hope for the industry as a complete.”
As for all its latest business lettings, the Commissioners have agreed a green lease with the National Theatre: this includes requirements on data-sharing and a concentrate on energy and waste consumption, in addition to minimum refurbishment standards, for instance using green energy supplies. An electricity infrastructure has been facilitated by the Commissioners in order that the National Theatre can install electric-vehicle chargers on site.
The National Theatre spokesman continued: “As a sector, all of us need more efficient management and usage of our existing resources if we’re to attain the circular economy that a net zero carbon future demands. This is step one on this exciting journey that supports our ambitions to be environmentally and economically sustainable, putting reusing and recycling at the guts of our work.
“The green lease agreed with the Church Commissioners further matches our ambitions, and we look ahead to this next chapter.”
