A Brent theatre has been hit with a nearly 5000% rent hike following the council’s changed planning approach.
East Lane Theatre Club (ELTC) is now facing closure after their rent increased from £1,500 to £75,000 per year.
The council’s new Property Strategy states these plans aim to support communities through effective and efficient use of property assets.
One theatre trustee said: “It was as though a bomb had dropped and left a very large crater.”
Isabelle Iny, a regular visitor to ELTC, (pictured below) added: “I am dismayed at the threatened closure of this community facility.”
The council attributed the rent increase to the commercial value highlighted in a surveyor’s report, which trustees claim they have not been shown.
Another trustee added: “To use the word commercial of this little tucked away green sight is a contradiction.”
They speculated the land’s discreet nature could attract dubious uses if unoccupied.
The theatre was issued the notice in July 2024, giving them until January 2025 to agree to new terms or vacate the premises.
The Bank of England inflation calculator states £1.5k in 1992 – when ELTC’s lease was signed – is now inflated to £3,216.94.
Council cabinet records show 48 properties must agree to new terms, with 14 already in a similar situation to ELTC.
Sarah Rabin, an actor at ELTC, said: “For me, East Lane Theatre Club is a second home.
“It’s an inclusive club, with a welcoming wide range of people.”
The club has been a local fixture for over 80 years with their 75-seat theatre built from the ground up by members.
Preston and Mall Youth Community Centre (PMYCC) have also claimed to be threatened with eviction.
Luigi Leo, Secretary of PMYCC, said: “[The council] are trying to force a lease on us.”
A variety of clubs and groups use the centre, including Brent’s Harrow Care Plus branch who host food hubs, coffee sessions and mentoring for younger volunteers.
Lead volunteer Anjie Chhapia said: “I am in shock.
“We will be completely devastated – not only us but the impact on the wider community, it will be huge.
“People will be depressed and alone.”
She emphasised the pre-emptive work the volunteers do through diluting stress from mainstream services like the NHS.
Chhapia added: “work with us, we can support you more than anything else.”
Pastor John Enejie, who uses the centre with his Christian fellowship, said: “It is the bedrock of Brent.
“You can’t get anywhere else like this.”
Deputy Council Leader Mili Patel said: “I have an important duty to ensure that every penny we spend delivers value for the taxpayers.
“While we recognise the contribution of these groups, their leases are no longer valid, and they have been continuing occupancy based on historical arrangements.
“What was the right solution for council properties thirty years ago may not be the right one today after three decades of demographic change and fourteen years of cuts to council budgets.”
Patel said she remains open to any groups wishing to discuss how to maximise Brent’s community facilities.
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