A campaign to register the Intimate Theatre as an Asset of Community Value has been successful. Enfield Council accepted the arguments set out in the application by the Save the Intimate Theatre Group, comprising St Monica's Players and a further five local amateur dramatic groups who put on productions at the Intimate. The building's owners, St Monica's parish, submitted an objection to the application - they want to demolish the theatre and replace it with a new parish centre and block of flats.
The panel which considered the application found that:
"This asset is an integral part of the wider parish & community. Historically it is also renowned Borough wide. It provides a platform for various community groups to convene and engage whether it be through the medium of arts and culture. The nominator has clearly demonstrated a programme of upcoming events which signals inclusivity and regular use."
"The nominator highlighted the current users desire to see continuity of this facility, indeed they also highlighted the fact that former clubs/societies made a commitment to return if said asset had major investment. It is also apparent via a recent online petition that there is demonstrable support for this nomination"
The panel also felt that "the asset be made fit for purpose practically and within reasonable resource requirements and within timescales".
The online petition referred to above has now been signed by more than 3800 people.
What are Assets of Community Value?
Assets of Community Value were introduced by the Localism Act 2011. They are intended to afford a degree of protection to amenities that play a useful community role, making it necessary for owners to follow certain procedures before they are allowed to demolish or change the use of the amenity. To quote from the My Community website:
"In neighbourhoods across the country there are buildings and amenities that are integral to the communities that use them. This could be a village shop, a pub, a community centre or a library for example. Many provide a base from which to deliver public services to the local community. The closure or sale of such buildings and amenities can create lasting damage in communities and threaten the provision of services.
"Assets of Community Value and the Community Right to Bid offers greater opportunity for communities to keep such buildings in public use and ensure they remain a social hub for the community."
The Fox pub in Palmers Green was registered as an Asset of Community Value in 2015, largely on the basis that its function room played an important community role. Consequently, when the Fox reopens after refurbishment in somewhat smaller form it will incorporate a function room - something that is unlikely to have been the case without the ACV status.
In addition to the Fox and the Intimate, there are three more ACVs in the borough: the Wonder pub in Enfield, Vicars Moor Tennis Club in Winchmore Hill and Tottenham Park Cemetery in Edmonton.
Links
Previous reporting and comments about the campaign to save the Intimate Theatre
Reporting about the campaign on the St Monica's Players website
Alternative proposals put forward by St Monica's Players
"Save the Intimate Theatre" online petition
Interview with Warren McWilliams of St Monica's Players on BBC London
